5 tips to maintain mental health support

For a number of years, doctors have believed that mental and physical health problems are inextricably linked – a view shared by many health organisations. Simon Thomas, Director – UK Employee Benefits, Generali, offers guidance for employers to help their workforce stay healthy in both mind and body.

Research has consistently shown that poor physical health can increase the risk of people developing mental health problems. Equally, poor mental health can have a negative effect on someone’s physical wellbeing. If one or the other isn’t correctly supported it could lead to longer recovery periods for the individual concerned and could mean their return to work is delayed. For example, someone with a long-term physical health problem could become depressed or stressed, losing their confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the Mental Health at Work Report 2016 from Business in the Community found that “employers have a duty of care to their employees to respond to mental ill-health just as they would to a physical illness”.

So what can employers do to ensure they offer support for both types of condition as and when it’s required?