How can I support people with mental health difficulties in the workplace?

Mental health is a growing issue for Irish employees, with one in four of us expected to experience a mental health difficulty at some point in our lives. Employers should take a postive and proactive approach to the prevention and management of mental health at work. Many of those with a difficulty require minimal support, while others need more substantial support. The level varies over time for the individual. Typical requirements include help in interacting effectively with supervisors, maintaining concentration and handling stressful situations. A good employer should be mindful of the levels of stress that all employees experience at work and ensure that particular employees do not experience extreme pressure because of their workload. Understanding and a little accommodation is often all that employees need to overcome an episode or difficult experience.

There are a variety of tips that are effective for working with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

Effective supervision

Preconceptions regarding the abilities of individuals should be avoided.
Responsibility should be clearly defined.
Feedback should be given in a timely and constructive fashion.
Policies and work assignments should be framed and allocated with sensitivity.
The effectiveness of accommodations should be evaluated.

Maintaining stamina during the working day

Allowing flexible scheduling.
Providing additional time to learn tasks/new responsibilities may be necessary.
Provision should be made for a job coach, if requested.

Maintaining concentration

Distraction in work area should be minimised.
Frequent breaks can assist concentration.
Through division into smaller tasks, assignments can be made more manageable.

Interacting with co-workers

Sensitivity training should be provided for co-workers/supervisors.
Fraternisation outside of the work area can foster inclusion.

Aiding memory

The provision of tape recorders, type-written notes, checklists and instructions is useful.

Dealing with stress

Recognition of achievements is essential.
Counselling and employee assistance programmes should be available.
Telephone calls to a doctor during working hours should be allowed.
Time off for scheduled medical appointments or support groups should be permitted.
A flexible approach to leave may be necessary to allow a worker to remain in their job after a period of hospitalisation.

Wednesday, 2 July 2008