Kate Underwood: 0:02

Welcome to Buzzing About HR, the weekly podcast from Kate Underwood, hr and Training. Join us as we explore everything HR, from practical advice to the latest trends, helping you make sense of the world of work. Hello and welcome to another episode of Buzzing About HR. I'm your host, kate Underwood, hr consultant, business owner and your trusted navigator in the sometimes bumpy, often fascinating and occasionally chaotic world of people management. Today we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and so relevant for business today mental health in the workplace. Whether you're a business owner, a manager or just someone curious about workplace culture, this episode is for you.

Kate Underwood: 0:55

Here's what we'll cover today the current state of mental health in UK workplaces. Why small businesses feel the impact more than most. My personal experience. Finding the right mental health support. Effective solutions tailored for SMEs and the benefits of getting it right. The role of leadership in creating a mentally healthy workplace. How mental health support directly impacts business performance and productivity. The importance of creating a proactive mental health strategy. How Mind. org. uk and the Workplace Action Plans can help. The role of occupational health in the Workplace Wellbeing Plan There are some frequently asked questions from our clients about how we address them, Return on investment. Why mental health support is worth every penny. and then finally, as ever, practical, actionable steps that you can take to support your team and yourself.

Kate Underwood: 2:02

So grab a cuppa, maybe a biscuit or two I promise I won't judge and let's dive in. So let's start with some hard-hitting stats. Stress, anxiety and depression now account for over 50% of all work-related absences in the UK. That's millions of days lost every year, costing the economy billions. And those costs, they're not just about lost productivity, they're about recruitment, retention, training and let's not forget the human cost, for employees struggling with mental health can feel isolating, and for businesses, especially SMEs, the ripple effect of one's person's struggles can be massive. If a key member is absent or disengaged, it's not just their work that's affected, it's everyone else's too. Here's the kicker. Mental health isn't a luxury issue. It's not a nice to have on the company agenda. It's a fundamental part of running a successful, sustainable business. If your people aren't okay, your business isn't okay, and that's especially true for SMEs.

Kate Underwood: 3:34

Now let's zoom in on small businesses. Here's the reality. Smes don't have the same resources as big corporations. You're already juggling budgets, wearing multiple hats and managing tight margins.

Kate Underwood: 3:43

If one person is struggling, the impact is immediate and tangible. Let me paint a picture Imagine you're running a team of 10. One person starts struggling with their mental health. Maybe their productivity drops by 20% over a few months. 20% over a few months that doesn't sound like much, but for a small team it's a huge deal. Deadlines slip, colleagues pick up extra work and before you know it, the entire team's morale is down. And if that person leaves, you're looking at recruitment costs, onboarding and months of lost productivity. And it's not just about numbers. The emotional toll on the team can be underestimated. When someone's struggling, it creates a ripple effect. People worry, they're less focused, and that's why addressing mental health proactively is so crucial for SMEs.

Kate Underwood: 4:45

Now let's get a bit personal. Last year I hit a wall. Running a business, managing clients and being the go-to HR guru. It all got too much. I was juggling too many plates and suddenly they all started wobbling. And suddenly they all started wobbling. I knew I needed help, but finding the right help that was a challenge.

Kate Underwood: 5:09

Then I found this incredible online counselling platform. It's like a matchmaking service for therapy. You answer a few questions and it pairs you with a counsellor who really gets it. I was matched with someone who was an ex-HRD. She understood the unique pressures of running a business, managing people and trying to keep everything afloat without losing your mind. Our sessions were virtual, which made them super convenient no commuting, no awkward waiting rooms, just a secure, private space where I could talk honestly. And let me tell you, she didn't just listen. She gave me practical tools to manage stress, set boundaries and get back on track. The difference it has made was incredible. I felt seen, heard and equipped to handle the challenges ahead.

Kate Underwood: 6:03

And this isn't just for business owners. Your employees can benefit from this kind of tailored support too. It's accessible, affordable and, most importantly, effective. So what makes this platform such a game changer for small businesses? Let me break it down. Personalisation Each employee is matched with the right counsellor based on their unique needs. No more generic helplines or impersonal services. Accessibility so everything's on. Virtual sessions mean that there's no time off work to travel and no added stress. Flexibility it's pay as you go. You only pay for what you use. There's no sneaky subscription model that locks you in. Quality the counsellors are accredited professionals with a wealth of experience. This isn't just about ticking a box. It's about creating a meaningful impact. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming big problems, saving you thousands in recruitment, retention and productivity costs.

Kate Underwood: 7:18

Let's talk about leadership for a moment. As a small business owner or manager, your attitude towards mental health sets the tone for your entire team. If you're dismissive, your team will be too, but if you're open, empathetic and proactive, you create a culture where people feel safe to speak up. And let's not forget, you're part of the team too. Prioritising your own mental health isn't selfish. It's essential. You can't pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes. When you're at your best, you can lead more effectively, support your team better and make better decisions.

Kate Underwood: 8:00

Proactive mental health strategy can transform your workplace culture. Proactive mental health strategy can transform your workplace culture. Here are some steps to consider. Why not get some mental health champions? Train some individuals within your team to act as mental health champions who can offer peer support and be the first point of contact. Even if you've got a team of five, just having one in that team would be amazing. Five just having one in that team would be amazing. Regular training Invest in ongoing training for managers and employees on stress management, resilience and mental health awareness. Have accessible resources. So provide easy to access resources, whether through workshops, e-learning or curated guides for mental health support. Then there's your flexible working policies. No-transcript If you can, and it's relevant, those in a little bit. Engage occupational health services for professional evaluations and advice on adjustments. By adopting these strategies, you create a culture where mental health is a shared priority, not just for individuals but for the business as a whole.

Kate Underwood: 9:39

Many businesses struggle with knowing where to start when it comes to mental health initiatives. This is where organisations like mindorguk come in. Their Workplace Action Plans, or WAP, is a fantastic tool that helps businesses create structured mental health strategies, ensuring that employees feel supported and that their well-being is prioritised. The WAP provides a structured framework that allows employees to document their triggers, early warning signs and helpful support strategies. This information enables managers to provide more personalised assistance and help prevent mental health issues from escalating into long-term absences or disengagement. So what are the main benefits of using the workplace action plan? So it's early intervention by identifying triggers and warning signs early, businesses can take action before a mental health issue turns into a crisis. This reduces absenteeism and keeps employees engaged and productive. Better communication the WAP facilitates open and honest conversations between employees and managers. It allows managers to understand how best to support their staff without making assumptions. It increases your employees' confidence. Employees who know that Workplace has a clear plan for mental health supports feel safer and more valued. This, in turn, boosts morale and retention rates.

Kate Underwood: 11:18

Customised support One size does not fit all, since every employee's mental health journey is unique. The WAP allows businesses to tailor their approach based on individual needs, whether it's flexible working arrangements, access to counselling or temporary workload adjustments. A proactive strategy ensures that employees get the help they need. Adjustments a proactive strategy ensures that employees get the help they need. This is something every finance person in a small business wants to hear. Reduced costs Unmanaged mental health issues can lead to long-term absences, high turnover and decreased productivity. Implementing a workplace action plan helps to mitigate these risks, making it a cost-effective investment. And, finally, legal and ethical responsibility Employers have a duty of care to support employee well-being. Implementing a WAP not only improves workplace culture, but also helps businesses meet their legal obligations regarding mental health support. The great thing about WAPs is they're easy to integrate into existing HR processes. Businesses can just download templates from mindorguk and use them as part of an employee, one-to-ones performance reviews or onboarding sessions.

Kate Underwood: 12:39

A workplace that actively supports mental health doesn't just benefit employees. It creates a culture of trust, loyalty and long-term engagement, all of which contribute to overall business success. If you haven't already implemented WAPS in your workplace, now is the perfect time to start. Waps in your workplace, now is the perfect time to start. Another essential tool in your mental health toolkit is occupational health. Many SMEs overlook this, but occupational health professionals provide expert assessments and recommendations for workplace adjustments, supporting employees in staying at work rather than going off sick.

Kate Underwood: 13:29

So what exactly does occupational health do, and why should SMEs prioritise it? Let's break it down. So, firstly, they would give you expert assessments and guidance. So occupational health professionals conduct thorough assessments of employees experience mental health issues and provide expert recommendations on how businesses can accommodate them. By the way, it's not just mental health issues that they can help with. They can help with any medical issue.

Kate Underwood: 13:53

Secondly, occupational health isn't just there for when things go wrong. They can help businesses put proactive measures in place to create a supportive work environment that minimises stress and burnout. Instead of guessing what a struggling employee might need, occupational health professionals provide personalised recommendations. These might include flexible working, workload management or specific environmental adjustments. They also can help provide support for long-term conditions. Some mental health struggles, like anxiety or depression, are long-term. Occupational health can guide businesses on how to support employees who need ongoing adjustments without it negatively impacting performance. Employers, as I've already mentioned, have a legal duty of care to support their employees' wellbeing. Occupational health assessments ensure businesses comply with legal requirements related to disability, discrimination and reasonable adjustments under UK employment law. Addressing mental health issues early and implementing proper support through occupational health can significantly reduce absenteeism, that's, employees taking sick leave and presenteeism employees working while unwell but not functioning effectively.

Kate Underwood: 15:25

Smes often assume occupational health services are reserved for large corporations, but that's not the case. Many providers offer flexible services tailored for smaller businesses, including pay-as-you-go consultations. So contracts, just expert advice when you need it. Remote assessments, which is who we use, and it makes it easy to access support without disrupting the workday. And working with HR professionals like me, who already integrate occupational health into their client offerings, making it a seamless process. If you're a small business that hasn't yet used occupational health services, now is the time to consider it.

Kate Underwood: 16:11

Supporting mental health isn't just about having the right intentions. It's about having the right tools. Occupational health is one of the most effective tools at your disposal. So now I've said all about that, let's talk numbers. Supporting mental health isn't just a moral decision, it's a business savvy one. For every pound spent on mental health interventions, businesses see an average return of £5 in reduced absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover.

Kate Underwood: 16:47

Think about it Investing in your team's wellbeing means a higher productivity, better morale and stronger loyalty. For SMEs, that could mean thousands saved in recruitment costs alone. High turnover is expensive, not just in direct hiring costs, but also in the time lost on training and onboarding. When employees feel supported, they are less likely to leave, reducing the cycle of costly staff replacements. Additionally, healthy employees perform better. Studies show that employees who feel mentally well are 23% more productive and have fewer errors in their work. This means improved efficiency, better customer service and, ultimately, a stronger bottom line. There's also the impact on team morale. A workplace that prioritises mental health fosters a culture of trust and openness. Employees feel valued, and that leads to higher engagement, greater creativity and a more cohesive team. Simply put, investing in mental health is an investment in the future and success of your business, and let's not forget reputational benefits.

Kate Underwood: 18:07

Businesses known for their commitment to mental health attract top talent. In a competitive job market, employees are looking for companies that care about their well-being. Prioritising mental health can give SMEs an edge in attracting and maintaining the best people. So, whether it's through structured mental health programmes, accessible counselling services or flexible working arrangements, every step you take towards better mental health support brings tangible benefits, not just for your employees, but for your business growth and sustainability.

Kate Underwood: 18:46

Here are some questions we often get asked from clients when it comes to mental health in the workplace. So one of the main ones is how do I approach an employee who seems to be struggling? So one of the main ones is how do I approach an employee who seems to be struggling? First off, I say start with empathy, find a private space and say something like I've noticed you don't see yourself lately, is everything okay? Listen without judgment and offer support options like counselling or flexible hours. The question we get asked a lot is what if an employee doesn't want help? If they don't want help, you need to respect their boundaries, but keep the door open Sometimes just knowing you're there is enough and encourage them to explore external resources like MIND, or maybe put some information up on the notice board about the occupational health services that your company provides Anything like that where maybe they can go and look at stuff first. When they feel comfortable, they can then come back and talk to you.

Kate Underwood: 19:59

There is a perception that mental health support is expensive, but it's not necessarily. Many solutions like the platform that I mentioned or WAPS from Mind are affordable and highly effective. Plus, the return on investment more than makes up for the initial cost. Now let's get even more practical. What can you do today to support mental health in your workplace? Here are some ideas.

Kate Underwood: 20:29

Start the conversation. Create a culture where it's okay to talk about mental health. Share your own experiences, if you feel comfortable. Train your managers. Equip them to stop. Train your managers. Equip them to spot the signs of mental health struggles and handle those conversations with empathy. Offer tailored support. Invest in solutions that provide real, personalised help, like the platform I mentioned. Provide flexibility.

Kate Underwood: 21:05

Sometimes a little wiggle room with hours or remote work can make a big difference. Check in regularly. Make it a habit to ask your team how they're doing, not just about work but about life. Lead by example. Take care of your own mental health and show your team that it's a priority. Invest in preventative measures. Host workshops on stress management, resilience or mindfulness to give your team practical tools. To give your team practical tools. Recognise and reward. Acknowledge and reward efforts to improve mental health at work, whether through informal praise or more formal recognition. And finally, partner with an external resource, promote support networks like MIND and encourage employees to use WAPs for tailored action plans.

Kate Underwood: 22:03

Let me leave you with this thought Supporting mental health isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. When your team feels supported, they're happier, more engaged and more productive. And happy employees stick around, saving you thousands in recruitment and training costs. But it isn't just about your team, it's about you too. Running a business is tough, being in HR is tough, and it's okay to admit when you need help. Trust me, finding the right support can make all the difference. Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR. If today's episode resonates with you, share it with fellow business owners or HR professionals, and if you want to learn more about the services I've mentioned, head over to wwwkateunderwoodhrcouk. Remember, take care of your team's mental health. It isn't just good for them, it's good for your business. Don't forget to subscribe and I'll see you next time for more HR buzz. Until then, take care of yourself and your team. Thanks for tuning in to Buzzing About HR. We'll see you next week for more insights and tips to support you and your team.