2. Biz Network April 2021 41-80.qxp_Chamberlink 26/03/2021 11:12 Page 52
FOCUS FEATURE
MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
The business case for offering mental health support Mental health was rising up the agenda before most of us had ever heard of the word “coronavirus”, but the pandemic has turbo-charged society’s selfawareness over a delicate issue. Businesses are also quickly realising its significance in the workplace, both for the purpose of employee wellbeing and productivity, as Dan Robinson finds out. uesday evening is social club, employees gather for a tea break on a Wednesday and then there’s the regular stream of open mic, comedy and quiz nights. Every day, the 270 employees at PPL PRS have a chance to get involved with a different group on Microsoft Teams that keeps conversations flowing virtually while they work from home. Not only does this continue social interactions and a sense of community within the business, but for many people it’s also an important tool in supporting their mental health during what has been a challenging 12 months – and counting – for everyone. “We did a lot of socials previously but we’ve placed a bigger emphasis on this since everyone began working from home because we realised the need to connect,” says HR operations manager Louisa Starling. “There’s also a half-hour ‘time to talk’ session that people can log on to and just talk about what’s affecting them, and our employee assistance programme is able to signpost people to various support that’s available. “They’re nice touches that are about being proactive in removing the stigma around poor mental health. “It’s something we all need to take ownership of – to break down barriers and enable people to really connect with their own mental health.”
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LOOKING AFTER MENTAL health is being accelerated up the priority list for leadership at just about every business – one Chamber member has spoken about establishing “no email days”, banning internal meetings once a month and clamping down on people unnecessarily being copied into emails to help employees keep a clear headspace– but at PPL PRS it’s particularly pertinent. The Leicester-based not-for-profit company that issues TheMusicLicence – enabling businesses to legally play music for employees and customers – has a relatively young workforce, with an average age of 32. It’s been well documented that young people have been markedly affected by mental health issues for a number of reasons, including a lack of space to successfully separate working and personal lives, as well as loneliness resulting from prohibited social interaction. A survey by the UK charity Young Minds conducted in the three weeks to 12 February found two-thirds (67%) of people aged between 13 and 25 believe the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health. “The good thing is that young people feel more comfortable in talking about mental health,” says Louisa. “In my generation, we got told to just pull ourselves together and buckle up. But we’re gradually removing those barriers for everyone.” 52
business network April 2021
