Third of managers feel out of their depth when it comes to mental health

Figures from Mental Health First Aid England, who surveyed 2,000 managers in the UK, showed that 75% recognise it’s part of their role to act on mental health, but say they don’t know how.

Three-quarters (74%) of managers were concerned about their team’s mental health due to the rising cost of living putting strain on their financial wellbeing.

Nearly one in four (23%) said they were “very worried” about the impact of the squeeze on living standards on employee wellbeing.  

One in four (25%) managers said a change in attitude from senior leadership would help teams to bring their whole self to work.

Over a quarter (29%) said more support and training from their employer would help them to create a team where everyone feels able to bring their whole selves to work. 

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Ahead of My Whole Self Day, which will fall on 14 March, MHFA England is calling on employers to create environments where everyone is safe to bring their “whole self to work”. 

Simon Blake, chief executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England and Companion of the Chartered Management Institute, said: “Brilliant managers who understand mental health are worth their weight in gold. Their influence can shape a team and workplace, supporting good employee mental health and wellbeing, as well as the organisation’s productivity and performance. 

“Research shows that managers have as much impact on a person’s mental health as their partner. With the stakes this high, employers cannot afford not to give the support and training they need to carry out their role effectively.

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“Teams are at their most effective and creative when everybody feels psychologically safe and is seen, heard and valued. Empowering managers so that people are able to bring their whole self to work is better for wellbeing and better for business. 

“With the threat of recession and the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, a focus on people’s mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever if businesses are to support their people, boost productivity and maintain their bottom line.

"That is why we are encouraging all employers to access our free resources and get behind My Whole Self Day on Tuesday 14 March.” 

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Mark Wilson, Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager at Ford Motor Company, which supports the campaign, said: “Within Ford we see My Whole Self as a powerful tool to get people to open about who they are and the journey they have been on. 

“Each year as we support and grow the My Whole Self campaign we grow as a team. This year we are encouraging our leaders to lead by example, to share their life experiences, strengths and vulnerabilities and to embrace and encourage everyone to reflect and talk about their mental health.”