Changing the culture of mental health in the workplace

It appears to Moira Doherty that there are two distinct sides to mental health within the corporate world, and it is hard to break the cycle.

Having been a small business owner and entrepreneur for over 30 years, where the entrepreneurial attitude to mental health was always to own it and work on it, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of, the entirely different attitude to mental health in the corporate workplace is something Moira is determined to change.

Moira, of Maximise Mental Health Training, a provider of workplace training around mental health, said that while it’s encouraging to see mental health being generally accepted and discussed as a growing problem, cultural norms that still deter individuals from seeking help must be addressed.

This reluctance often stems from fear of judgment, discrimination, or a potential negative impact on their career progression. Employees may worry that admitting to mental health issues could be perceived as a sign of weakness or a lack of competence, leading to social isolation or even job loss, so they stay quiet until they are on their knees.

It’s crucial for leaders and organisations to foster environments where discussing mental health is normalised and encouraged and give key members of staff the skills to spot a mental health problem early and have the skills to give early intervention proactive support.

Both the HSE and British Safety Council advocate that “all line managers/heads of department must be appropriately trained in mental health awareness and the relevant support mechanisms, so they have the confidence to communicate ith employees with care and sensitivity.” oira is passionate about breaking this cycle give key leadership colleagues the skills to provide proactive mental health support before the problem escalates and disburse the stigma of mental health in the workplace.

For further information, visit www.maximisementalhealthtraining.com