Time to talk 2021 will be held on Thursday 4th February 2021. It is an important day to observe well- being and mental health. With an estimated 17.9 million working days lost in 2019/2020 due to stress, depression, or anxiety (source: HSE summary of statistics for GB 2020) more mental health charities are keen to promote such awareness so those in need can reach out for help.
Covid19 Pandemic
As we are thick in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic, it is even more important that employers assist their colleagues and to encourage them to talk openly about their mental health. As the majority of the UK are working from home, management should schedule 121 meetings with all their staff to talk openly about mental health and to ask if they are in need of any support. This is to enable effective supervision of employee well-being.
Mental health effects
Statistics show mental health effects 1 in 4 people in England (source: Mind). It is important employees have a strong support network, particularly from their employer. Often staff may feel ashamed to talk about their mental health but as many organisations are spreading the word about highs and lows of mental health, it is ok to talk about your feelings.
The concept of ‘time to talk’ is designed to take small actions to get the team talking in either a group setting or 121 discussions asking short friendly questions, for example, how are you feeling today? how do you relax and recharge yourself? List 3 things that people can do to be kind to themselves. The questions are to encourage the person to open up and to talk about themselves. The activities in this scenario is designed to take away the stigma of mental health and to create an environment where it is safe to talk.
Ordinarily we do not need a specific day to approach friends and colleagues about mental health as anyone, on any day in need of help should be able to speak out about their personal anxieties without prejudice.
This is a good opportunity for businesses to use this day to get to know their staff and to assist those who may not ordinarily speak out about mental health.
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The article is for general information purposes only and should you require any further assistance on the matter please do not hesitate to call our advice-line team on 01455 852028.
