In a bid to help small firms manage mental health issues in the workplace,The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have teamed up with Mind to create a guidance to help small firms boost the mental health and well-being of employees.
Conditions such as anxiety, depression and unmanageable stress affect one in six British workers each year, and can cost businesses up to £26 billion annually. However, simple steps such as allowing for flexible working and involving employees in the planning of their workload can help to manage mental health issues in the workplace and promote the wellbeing of staff.
According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), employees tend to be happier working in smaller firms because of the flexible nature. Research by the FSB shows that 47 per cent of small firms have staff that work part-time, 29 per cent have staff that work flexible hour and 27 per cent have staff who work from home.
John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses said
Small businesses are like a tight-knit family and know their staff well, so by their very nature are flexible employers. Small businesses have to abide by an array of rules and regulations, but they are best placed to choose what their staff and business needs.
Small businesses have good relationships with their staff, but this guide suggests ways to help increase productivity and performance of their employees while saving the business money. Many small businesses will already be doing these.
