Local Businesses Urged to Proactively Manage Workplace Mental Health

Friday 25th September

The Health and Safety Authority, in association with Mental Health Ireland, will be holding a seminar in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, on Wednesday 7th October. The seminar is part of a major European-wide campaign which urges small businesses to proactively manage workplace mental health issues such as bullying and stress. Attendees will gain valuable insights to help them better understand and deal with this common workplace hazard.

Patricia Murray, Organisational Psychologist with the Health and Safety Authority, said, “A positive work environment can enhance the health and well-being of workers and lead directly to increased productivity. Good business performance with low absenteeism and staff turnover rates can be achieved as a result”.

She added, “There is still a stigma around mental health in the workplace but it can be managed just like any other safety and health issue. However, even those who are well intentioned can make mistakes and a few wrongly placed words can be disastrous for managing a person who is very down or feels particularly burnt out. Managers need a few practical tips for best practice so that they can create a healthy work environment in which workers feel valued and can fully contribute to business success”.

The support and input of a competent manager can mean the difference between costly litigation, even more costly sickness absence and painful suffering for those affected. Those attending the seminar will gain lots of useful tips and guidelines including details of minimum standards required by state authorities, common errors that can lead to litigation, important records to maintain and ways to minimise distress through effective management practice.

Bookings for the “Mind Your Mental Health – Practical Strategies for Small Organisations” in Athlone on October 7th are now being taken. Places are limited so visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie, email training@mentalhealthireland.ie or telephone (01) 284 1166 to reserve a place.

ENDS…