SUPPORTING WORKPLACE mental health

Have you taken time out to check on your mental health? If you haven’t, you ought to - it’s good for business, says NHBF

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year. World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in the workplace, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

Running a successful, prosperous beauty or hair salon should always be centred on protecting your mental health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, a staggering 70 million work days are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK, costing businesses approximately £2.4 billion per year.

Good mental health at work can result in:

• Improved productivity and smoother running of your business

• Fewer days of sick leave

• Better engagement with your staff

• Agood work-life balance.

What does mental health mean?

Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. Anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder are among the more common mental health disorders.

Look out for signs that you may be experiencing mental health problems. For example, you may be:

• Unable to concentrate and easily distracted

• Irritable and aggressive

• Less talkative and avoiding social activities

• Tired and/or tearful

• Unable to control your emotions

• More prone to drinking alcohol

• Physically ill; for example, with headaches or fatigue

• Overwhelmed and unable to perform to your usual standards.

There is strong evidence that workplaces with high levels of mental wellbeing are more productive and that good management goes hand-in-hand with good mental health. Most people who experience mental health problems can continue working successfully.

Tips to support your mental health:

• Make mental health and wellbeing in your business a top priority

• Take regular breaks – achange of pace benefits your mental health

• Seek help if you need it – advice, help and support is available from various organisations and charities

• Eat well – ahealthy diet will be good for your body and help your mental health

• Drink less alcohol and more water

• Get active – doing plenty of exercise is not only good for your body but benefits your mental health too

• Connect with people – talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, just acknowledging your feelings by saying them out loud can help.

NHBF members have access to resources such as:

• Employment support via the legal helpline

• Updated blog posts on a variety of subjects, including dealing with stress: nhbf.co.uk/dealing-with-a-stressed

• Health-assured app through NHBF rewards

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is the UK’s largest trade body for businesses in the hair, beauty and barbering industries. As part of its work, it provides specialist business support, advice and backup to salon owners.