The Chamber is very proud to continue to be a partner in the Time to Change Worcestershire hub to end mental health discrimination. Having signed the employer pledge in September 2018, we now have 7 time to change workplace champions who are actively involved in promoting key messages and organising initiatives to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
Time to change have recently launched a new action plan for their Employer Pledge which supports organisations to put in place best-practice interventions and policy to help your staff work in ways that promote a positive mental wellbeing. The Employer Action Plan is designed to be a starting point for plans. It asks employers to detail the actions that they are committed to delivering within the organisation to tackle stigma and discrimination around mental health, or it can also celebrate activity you have already delivered.
Following feedback from employers, the new action plan is more directive with respect to the sort of activities the Time to Change Employers Team are looking for and is accompanied by a support guide.
Every year a cost of up to £42 billion is incurred by employers as a result of poor mental health and mental ill-health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, costing an average £1,035 per employee per year. Finally, 300,000 people leave their place of work each year due to poor mental health.
Organisations who take the Pledge and put their Action Plan in place have found that employees report feeling more supported about issues concerning mental health, are more willing to disclose their personal lived experience, and are more confident about making managers and colleagues aware of their experience.
We would love to hear from employers who would also like to become involved with the programme by signing the pledge and make a difference.
For further information please visit the Time to Change website.