Our jobs can be stressful, even when we enjoy them. Too much work and not enough support can be a dangerous combination. Did you know that 44% of work-related stress, anxiety and depression is caused by workload alone? Add bullying and unwanted work changes to the mix and you’ve got a total of 12.5 million working days and £39.4 billion lost in the UK per year according to government statistics from 2016/17. What can we do about it?

Image from https://mhfaengland.org/organisations/workplace/

Employers have their role

56% of employers state that they would like to do something to improve and support the mental well-being of their employers, whereas 30% of employees say that they do not feel like they could go to their line manager for support. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) workshops are being introduced in Leeds and around the country, helping employers and managers to spot signs and symptoms of mental health issues, offer initial support and guide their employees to the right type of help. With this training, staff are provided with the right tools to prevent illness, recover quicker from illness and provide a cultural change throughout the organisation. MHFA courses range from half a day for awareness, to a full two-day course in order to become a fully qualified Mental Health First Aider. Courses in Leeds are running throughout July in the city centre. To find out more, go to https://mhfaengland.org/organisations/workplace/.

What you can do

It is very important to keep a work-life balance so that you are not overwhelmed by work, especially during your own time. Trying these things may help to create a more balance between work and home:

• Try not to bring any work home with you
• Not answering work emails on weekends
• Prioritising family time or “me time” on an evening – no phone distractions
• Take time at the end of your working day for some light activity – yoga or a walk – to switch your mind off from the working day
• Getting enough zzz’s!

What can we do for you?

Here at Phoenix Health & Wellbeing, we are passionate about keeping workplaces healthy in mind, body and spirit. We offer treatments around Leeds in the workplace and workshops about self-care and managing stress in the workplace, and we come to you. For more information, go to https://www.phoenixhealthandwellbeing.org.uk/therapies/our-treatments/workplace-massage/ or give us a call on 0113 234 0181.