Starting the year right: Addressing mental health on Blue Monday

As we approach Blue Monday on January 20, 2025—the day often dubbed the “most depressing day of the year”—it’s an opportune moment to focus on fostering a mentally healthy workplace. While Blue Monday is a concept with debatable origins, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of mental health in the workplace.

Understanding mental health and wellbeing

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Mental wellbeing, on the other hand, refers to how we feel about our lives, our sense of purpose, and our ability to cope with daily stresses. It’s crucial to recognise that good mental wellbeing doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of mental health problems; individuals can experience mental health challenges and still maintain good wellbeing.

The impact of workplace factors

Workplace factors significantly influence mental health and wellbeing. Common workplace triggers include:

• Relationships with colleagues.
• Work-related decisions.
• Access to necessary tools and resources.
• Employee engagement.
• Unrealistic deadlines or workloads.
• Poor work-life balance.

Managers should regularly assess these factors and provide opportunities for employees to discuss concerns, fostering an open and supportive environment.

Practical steps to enhance mental wellbeing

Implementing practical measures can significantly enhance employee mental wellbeing:

• Encourage outdoor activities: Promote lunchtime walks or team fitness challenges to boost mood and energy levels.
• Review sick pay provisions: Ensure policies support employees during periods of ill health.
• Train mental health first aiders: Equip staff with the skills to support colleagues facing mental health challenges.
• Offer wellbeing days: Provide employees with dedicated time to focus on their health and wellbeing.
• Increase annual leave entitlement: Allow employees to take necessary breaks to recharge.
• Celebrate employee successes: Recognise and reward achievements to boost morale.
• Provide flexible working arrangements: Offer options that help employees balance work and personal commitments.
• Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Provide confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
• Offer healthy snacks: Encourage healthy eating habits in the workplace.
• Allow pets at work: Consider pet-friendly policies to reduce stress.
• Conduct staff surveys: Regularly gather feedback to understand employee needs and concerns.

By adopting these strategies, employers can create a supportive environment that promotes mental health and wellbeing, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.

At SafeHR, we offer services to help your business implement these initiatives:

• Drafting mental health at work policies.
• Conducting stress risk assessments.
• Providing training on mental health, conflict management, and difficult conversations.
• Offering mediation services to resolve workplace conflicts.
• Guidance and attendance at grievance meetings.
• Software solutions for pulse surveys to regularly assess employee wellbeing.

By proactively addressing mental health, especially around Blue Monday, employers can foster a healthier, more resilient workplace culture.