By Peter Lee, Head of Learning and Development and Mental Health First Aider, Omni Group
Mental health issues can take various forms in the workplace. Providing comprehensive training to staff members across your organisation is crucial. Implementing such training programmes can create a more positive and supportive work environment.
Research by Deloitte indicates that the UK workforce’s mental health challenges may be imposing an annual cost of approximately £51 billion on employers.
Mental health has become an increasingly important issue in the working environment in recent years. Employers are starting to recognise the prevalence of these issues. Organisations that understand the importance of mental health in the workplace create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive and significantly improve productivity, morale, and overall well-being.
According to the mental health charity Mind, there is a growing recognition amongst employers that supporting mental health is beneficial for both individuals and businesses. This shift in perspective reflects a broader societal understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace. Producing, implementing and sharing a comprehensive mental health plan is an excellent strategy to enhance the overall wellbeing of all employees within an organisation.
As part of Omni’s commitment to understanding and fulfilling the duty of care for mental health in the workplace, we have introduced Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). For this initiative, we internally developed a comprehensive framework to address mental health concerns within our organisation. Our Learning and Development department created, designed, and implemented a bespoke MHFA programme, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of our workforce.
By developing this framework internally, we have aligned it closely with our company culture and values, making it more relatable and impactful for our employees. We are also taking proactive steps to promote mental well-being, enhance awareness, and provide practical support to our workforce. This approach is in line with the international best workplace mental health management practices and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to employee welfare.
Discussing the vital role MHFA has played in promoting a culture of improved mental health in the Omni workplace, Peter Lee, MHFA for Omni, said, “Being part of the hospitality industry and having our workforce spread across the entire UK, we must offer a platform to provide mental health support and resources. The unique challenges Omni employees face often involve long, unsociable hours and high-pressure environments, affecting employees’ mental well-being.”
For Omni, the MHFA initiative was established in 2022, with 120 MHFA providing a support network that spans the entire organisation, regardless of physical location. Our MHFA are also Omni employees; they understand the industry and serve as the first point of contact for our employees experiencing mental health challenges. They are equipped to provide initial support, guidance, and appropriate referrals to professional resources when necessary. This programme aims to nurture a supportive work environment, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and ensure timely intervention when needed.
“Our MHFA are trained to recognise early indicators and warning signs of mental fatigue in colleagues. These signs may include alterations in mood, such as increased irritability or withdrawal, anxiousness, a rise in sick leave, or a decline in work performance. Our extensive programme equips us to ensure and assist our colleagues feel genuinely heard and supported. We create actionable plans to access appropriate mental health support and resources, guiding colleagues towards suitable help, whether that be through internal company resources or external services. This approach ensures that we can effectively support our colleagues’ mental well-being in a holistic and informed manner.” continues Peter
At Omni, promoting open conversations about mental health, particularly from leadership, has been crucial to the success and positive reception of our MHFA initiative across the workforce. When managers and team leaders discuss mental health openly, it sets a positive precedent for the entire organisation. Our MHFA programme has made its most significant impact through regular mental health workshops and check-ins. Education and awareness have driven mental health consciousness throughout the company. This includes campaigns highlighting tips and techniques for managing mental health and ensuring employees know available support systems and how to access them.
“Our initial challenge was addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many staff members in housekeeping and our central team hesitated to discuss their mental well-being. We recognised the importance of creating an environment where employees feel empowered to address their mental health concerns. We emphasised that seeking help is a courageous and vital step, likening it to caring for one’s physical health. We encouraged our team to understand that discussing mental health is crucial and that speaking with a trusted individual—be it a friend, family member, or one of our trained MHFA —can be immensely beneficial when feeling overwhelmed. Our goal was to promote reaching out as a positive action.” said Peter
Today, more than ever, companies are increasingly recognising the critical importance of supporting their employees’ mental health. Investing in mental health initiatives creates a positive work culture and significantly boosts workforce engagement. At Omni, we remain committed to prioritising mental health in the workplace through our comprehensive MHFA programme. We are taking proactive steps to cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment by offering various services. These include counselling and various support programmes accessible through our Employee Assist Program. This approach ensures that our staff members can access the resources and assistance needed to maintain their mental well-being. By prioritising mental health, we are committed to creating a more positive and supportive workplace for our employees.
