Multiple countries worldwide report that more than 10% of all sickness absence days are attributed to mental ill-health. One tactic for improving employee mental health is for organisations to train managers in how to promote wellbeing in those they manage.
Researchers led by Juliet Hassard at Queen’s University Belfast recently analysed survey data from several thousand organisations in England collected between 2020 and 2023. Statistical regression techniques were used to accommodate variables such as organisation age, sector and size.
Training managers to support employees’ mental health has significant benefits
The results indicated that training line managers in mental health methods was significantly associated with multiple organisation-wide outcomes, including: improved employee recruitment and retention, customer service, and business performance. Training line managers also reduced long-term sickness absence due to mental ill-health.
There are multiple routes to improving employee mental health. Organisations commonly provide training workshops for employees. Many organisations redesign jobs, offer flexible work arrangements, and use technology to support employees.
Effective leaders also set objectives for employees that focus more on what to do, rather than how to do it – giving employees more autonomy and control over their work. However, this research strongly suggests that training managers in how to support employees’ mental health has significant benefits at an organisational level.
More information
Visit ACCA’s wellbeing hub for resources on how to support your mental health.
Listen to our podcast offering a short, guided meditation to help you unwind and feel calm during your working day.
