Supporting Employees Mental Health During a Recession

Economic instability is becoming widespread amid record-high inflation trends, with many Britons fearing a recession will arise in the near future. Unfortunately, the uncertainty that a recession brings can have adverse effects on employees’ mental health. In fact, an analysis by not-for-profit company Young Foundation found that mental health issues worsened across Britain during the 2008 economic recession. To avoid history repeating itself, it’s critical that employers help support their employees’ well-being during the current economic climate. After all, poor mental health can result in workplace tensions, increased absences and decreased productivity. Employers can consider the following tips for supporting employees’ mental health during a recession:

• Talk openly about mental health support in the workplace. Nearly half of UK employees feel uncomfortable talking about mental health issues with their employers, according to research by HR software company MHR. To minimise this trend, employers should aim to create a supportive environment by talking openly about mental health issues and available support. By destigmatising this sensitive subject, employees may be more likely to seek early assistance, preventing larger problems in the future.
  
  
• Provide stress management resources to employees. Stress contributes significantly to employees’ mental health. Strategies to relieve stress include encouraging a good worklife balance, teaching employees breathing techniques and having regular one-to-one meetings to see how individual employees are doing.
  
  
• Provide mental health support through employee assistance programmes (EAPs). Employers should review their EAPs to ensure ample mental health assistance is available. Valuable EAP insertions include arranging occupational health assessments, accommodating scheduling flexibility and allowing access to free and confidential counselling services.
  
  
• Survey the needs of employees. It’s best for employers to evaluate and adjust their well-being initiatives by asking employees for suggestions on improving mental health resources and support in the workplace. 
  
  Worrying about a recession could leave employees stressed, distracted and less productive at work. As such, it’s prudent for employers to support their employees’ mental health, especially during times of economic uncertainty.