<p>Not only has the pandemic had a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing globally, but workplace changes and related stresses have created a lot of pressure for employees. A <a href="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5ebaa388b12fd1b0b7366429/610289183978c97ab6bc84bb_LIME_MentalHealth_29-07-21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent study by Lime Global</a>, a health insurance company in the UK, revealed that “<strong>51% of UK workers feel like they have to put on a brave face for their colleagues</strong>.” This reality, dubbed “pleasanteeism,” is when individuals mask the anxiety of <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/mental-health-in-the-workplace-a-365-day-focus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coping with mental health stressors in the workplace</a>. And while the survey respondents showed that people are keen to take control of their mental health, they don’t know how or where to start. <strong>69% of participants said that barriers exist to getting support for mental health</strong> and <strong>36% believe that their employer doesn’t provide enough support for their mental health</strong>. </p>
<p>As a result of these issues, <strong>40% would look for a new job if their employer didn’t support their mental wellbeing</strong>. A massive <strong>44% of people surveyed said that their lack of resilience impacted how they worked and admitted that poor mental health resulted in a loss in concentration, unproductive days and an increase in sick days</strong>. Enter ‘<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/how-employers-can-get-ahead-of-the-great-resignation" target="_blank">The Great Resignation</a>,’ an upheaval in full swing, where employees are resigning from companies in their droves to pursue other avenues and it’s set to worsen. The main reasons for resignations are a lack of mental health support, no options for hybrid working and the need for a better work-life balance. </p>
<h2>How can businesses help employees?</h2>
<p>While there is no “one size fits all” approach, employers can address the threat of this mass exodus by ramping up mental health support in the workplace. US Olympic gymnast <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/28/sports/olympics/simone-biles-out.html" target="_blank">Simone Biles recently withdrew from the women’s all-around gymnastics final at the Tokyo Olympics</a>. Biles is one such example of someone who experienced continuous pressure and made the important yet difficult decision to step back and prioritize their wellbeing over their career. </p>
<p>Since 2020, people truly began to reflect on what they expect from their workplace and employers. Work-life balance trumps monetary compensation for many. While organizations have a lot on their plates, the massive shift in how and where we work introduced various ways for employers to support the overall health of a business, starting with supporting the people.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="535" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_1578434065-1024x535.jpg" alt="4 Ways Organizations Can Support and Retain Staff:" class="wp-image-12142" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_1578434065-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_1578434065-300x157.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_1578434065-768x401.jpg 768w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_1578434065.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Consider meditation, well-being apps, or classes to keep your team on track</figcaption></figure>
<h2>4 Ways Organizations Can Support and Retain Staff:</h2>
<h2>1. Be the Change</h2>
<p>Turn conversations into actions. Listen and understand the needs of your staff and act on them. Anonymous employee surveys and even company data will reveal pain points and room for improvement. Whether it’s introducing complimentary counseling sessions, encouraging time and space to deal with personal issues/commitments, mental health days off work, or opportunities for reflection, it’s essential to address and destigmatize issues. A positive environment will foster trust, encouragement and happy relationships. </p>
<h2>2. Culture Shift</h2>
<p>If a leader is open and transparent about mental health issues, it will encourage dialogue throughout the organization. This also shows the authenticity of the organization’s intent to implement and continue supporting its employees. Like dominoes, if one person opens up about how they really feel, others will follow suit. </p>
<h2>3. Work-Life Balance</h2>
<p>Creating a space where employees are productive without burning out is crucial. Offering flexible or hybrid working hours is what many people expect in their role. Exhausted and <a href="https://neconnected.co.uk/trueprofile-io-drives-overseas-nursing-recruitment-for-britannia-healthcare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overwhelmed staff are leaving their jobs and taking their talent elsewhere</a>. If certain aspects of roles cannot be compromised, ensure that compensation (monetary or otherwise) is in place to support staff. Selfcare initiatives are also an excellent way to ensure employees have the chance to step back, breathe and be mindful. In addition to <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/9-effective-employee-retention-strategies-for-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">employee retention strategies</a>, consider meditation, well-being apps, or classes to keep your team on track.</p>
<h2>4. Mental Health First-Aid</h2>
<p>Some businesses have designated first-aid responders or office fire wardens within their teams. Designated staff members go through basic training so that if someone needs help, there is support to step in until the professionals arrive. It’s just as important to have someone with basic mental health first-aid training for the less visible and physical issues. Dedicating time to get the proper training will allow staff to spot mental health concerns in their team to help individuals who might otherwise struggle in silence. Another way to help staff is to give someone the designation of mental health ambassador, who people can approach at their discretion.</p>
<p>It’s time to prioritize mental wellbeing and support to encourage better workplace practices to prevent professional burnout. Thriving collectively benefits employees and employers alike and avoids organizations falling victim to ‘The Great Resignation’ phenomenon.</p>
<p>If you need any advice about <strong>increasing your healthcare workforce</strong>, please reach out to a member of our team via <a href="mailto:businesspartner@trueprofile.io" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">businesspartner@truepr</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:businesspartner@trueprofile.io" target="_blank">ofile.io</a>.</p>
<h2>Other Blogs on ‘The Great Resignation’</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/great-resignation-employee-retention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 Things To Consider for Employee Retention During ‘The Great Resignation’</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/how-employers-can-get-ahead-of-the-great-resignation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How Employers Can Get Ahead of ‘The Great Resignation’</a></li></ul>
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