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Mental health at work

Mental wellbeing can simply be described as feeling good and functioning well. When someone is experiencing poor mental health, it can impact on their ability to work well. Physical health may also be affected as stress and fatigue can have a negative impact on focussing on work tasks.


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At least 1 in 6 workers experience common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.

Mental ill-health is a leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, accounting for 12.7% of all sickness absence days each year.

It is estimated to cost private sector employers an average of £1,716 per employee and public sector employers £1,652 each year (CIPD).

In a recent survey by MIND, 56% of employers said they would like to do more to improve staff wellbeing but don't feel they have the right training or guidance.

Find out more about mental health and wellbeing support including where to signpost someone in a crisis, to printable factsheets to support staff with 5 ways to wellbeing.

There is also information on mental health training signing up for mental health first aid training amongst many other courses. Some of the places are offered free but some may incur a charge so please do check the eligibility criteria.

You can also watch a video about workplace wellbeing index.

Let’s Chat Derbyshire is campaign and project to tackle social – isolation, create conversations and inform on mental health support and services across Derby and Derbyshire. If you are in Derby or Derbyshire workplace and would like a sign for a bench or seating area outside whether it is public facing or for employees, please email: luke.oldham@derbyshire.gov.uk. Smaller signs and indoor resources (like posters and table cards) are also available.

Support and resources

The Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website has been designed collaboratively by professionals who work across Derby and Derbyshire to help plan and deliver care and support for people who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or just want to feel happier.

The Mental Health at Work Commitment is a set of actions, organised into 6 standards, that any organisation can follow to improve and support the mental health of their employees.

The Thriving at Work report sets out a framework of actions – called ‘Core Standards’ – that the reviewers recommend employers of all sizes can and should put in place.

This how to support mental health at work guide provides tips on how to look after your mental health at work. Good mental health at work and good management go hand in hand, and there is strong evidence that workplaces with high levels of mental wellbeing are more productive. Addressing wellbeing at work increases productivity by as much as 12%.

The mental health toolkit for employers aims to help your organisation – whether business, public sector or charitable – support the mental health and wellbeing of your employees.

Solent Mind have taken proven wellbeing techniques and therapies and given them a digital twist for positive mental health with just a tap or a swipe.

Responding to suicide risk in the workplace: a guide for people professionals provides guidance to educate your workforce and open up the culture to talk about suicide.

Reducing the risk of suicide: a toolkit for employers is designed to help organisations adopt a strategy to reduce the risk of a suicide that will have an impact on the workplace.

We're also working with Orcha, to provide a library of digital health and welling support. Search ORCHA for apps to support mental health.