Acas is highlighting its new framework for positive mental health at work ahead of World Mental Health day on 10 October.
The framework shows how employers, managers and individuals all have a role to play in tackling mental health concerns. The Government’s Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill health at some point in our lives, and the framework sets out how it’s important that employers and their staff take steps to promote positive mental health and support those experiencing mental ill health.
Speaking in a new blog, Acas chair, Sir Brendan Barber, explained: “Each of the three main players in our framework (employers, managers and individuals) have a key role to play. But it is the overlaps, particularly between employer/manager and manager/individual, where most of the real action takes place.”
The framework is underpinned by a range of Acas guidance for employers and managers on:
Promoting positive mental health in the workplace: outlines a step by step approach to improve the mental health of staff and provide support processes for staff that experience mental ill health
Managing staff experiencing mental ill health: provides guidance for a manager who thinks a team member may be experiencing mental ill health. It includes information on spotting the signs that a team member may be experiencing mental ill health, tips on how to approach talking to them about their mental health and how to support them in their recovery
Dealing with stress in the workplace: explains the causes of work-related stress and how to approach reducing this in your workplace. It also provides guidance on spotting a team member that may be experiencing stress, how to approach talking to them and support them
Workplace Anxiety & Work Related Anxiety: outlines what anxiety is and what signs may indicate a team member is experiencing anxiety.
Barber added: “Real people should not have to hide just because the prevailing culture does not encourage them to speak up or get help. With the new Acas Framework everyone should know what to do and how to help each other. With World Mental Health Day this year focusing on young people’s mental health in a changing world, it is vital that we are especially mindful of their concerns. We need to create workplaces where they feel comfortable to be themselves and be heard.”
