Mental Health Awareness | Training Our Line Managers
At RES Group, we believe that creating a healthy, supportive work environment begins with understanding the importance of mental health. That’s why we recently took a significant step in supporting our employees by providing mental health awareness training to our line managers. Led by Paul Longley, an experienced professional in mental health education, this master class equipped our management team with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify, support, and address mental health challenges in the workplace.
The Importance of Mental Health Training in the Workplace
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and plays a critical role in creating a productive and positive work environment. According to recent statistics, one in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. For employers, this means it’s essential to recognise and support the mental health needs of their staff, just as we would for physical health.
By educating our line managers on this topic, we can help foster a supportive workplace where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns. The training also ensures that managers can recognise early signs of stress, burnout, or other mental health issues and take proactive steps to provide support.
Paul Longley’s Master Class
Paul Longley, an experienced mental health trainer, delivered a comprehensive master class designed to educate our line managers on recognising the signs of mental distress and offering appropriate support. The course covered several key areas:
- Recognising Early Signs. Managers learned how to identify early warning signs of mental health struggles, such as changes in behaviour, performance dips, and withdrawal from team activities.
- Encouraging Open Communication. The importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health was highlighted. Encouraging openness and reducing stigma is key to a healthier workplace.
- Providing Support. Managers were given tools and strategies to offer practical support, whether by providing resources, adjusting workloads, or guiding employees toward professional help when needed.
- Maintaining a Balanced Work Environment. Paul also stressed the importance of creating a balanced, stress-free work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Simple steps such as promoting work-life balance and offering flexible work arrangements can make a significant difference.
Certification of Attendance
As a testament to their commitment, all attending line managers were awarded a certificate of attendance. This certificate not only signifies their participation but also reflects their readiness to support mental health within the workplace.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health awareness isn’t just a trend, it’s a vital component of modern business. A mentally healthy workplace improves overall job satisfaction, boosts productivity, and reduces absenteeism. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to perform at their best and stay engaged with their work. Additionally, offering mental health support helps to create a culture of care, where employees know their well-being is valued by the company.
At RES Group, we’re committed to creating a workplace where both mental and physical health are prioritised. By taking steps to train our line managers, we’re reinforcing this commitment and ensuring that our team is equipped to foster a positive, supportive work environment for all.
Looking Forward
This master class is just one of many initiatives RES Group is implementing to ensure our workplace is inclusive and supportive for everyone. We recognise that mental health is a journey, and we’re dedicated to continuing this important work in the future.
This mental health training is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving workplace well-being. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our teams and culture at RES Group.