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Last week we reported that among the challenges in managing mental health in the workplace is a place where a well-run workplace wellness program can help: Awareness among managers.

We noted a Workplace Insights piece that states “one in three line managers admit they would struggle to detect mental health issues.”

The piece adds that “recognition of the role employer support plays in helping colleagues with mental health conditions is clear as two in five (41 percent) line managers have already received related training from their employer.  And conversations around mental health at work are being reframed as more than a third (35 percent) of employees feel more comfortable talking to their manager about their mental health than before.”

Said Dr Paula Franklin, UK Medical Director at Bupa: “It is great to see how the conversation around mental health has evolved over time.  People are now more willing to discuss their mental health challenges at work, this early intervention can play a key role in improving their recovery.

The article notes that the organization created an online Mental Health guide that “provides practical tips and advice on how to promote good mental health, and how to identify and support someone experiencing mental health issues.”

The guide provides key insights for the role that businesses — and workplace wellness programs — can play in addressing the issues. These include:

• “Creating a wellbeing strategy that ensures that supporting employee wellbeing remains a priority”
• “Promoting mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace”
• “Demonstrating that wellbeing matters to senior leaders”
• “Being approachable and providing opportunities for employees to discuss their mental health”
• “Empowering people to be able to take time off to attend medical appointments or treatment; and”
• “Making adjustments to the working environment and working hours of someone coping with mental health challenges”