According to new research published by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Nottingham, strong links exist between positive business performance and mental health training for line managers.
Furthermore, the analysis of workforce practices suggests that recognising this, and acting on it, could save organisations millions every year.
The study showed a strong association between training for those in management positions and improved customer service and staff recruitment and retention. Lower levels of long-term mental health sick leave were also evident.
The researchers examined anonymised survey data from several thousand companies in England, collected between 2020 and 2023, as a part of a larger investigation into workplace mental health and productivity.
Based on the findings, they recommend that employers provide mental health training to line managers and establish workplace policies clarifying their roles in supporting employee wellbeing. The team also suggested that ongoing research could explore whether such guidance increases managers’ knowledge, skills and confidence.
Inspire understands the impact that bosses can have on the people they oversee. Management comes with its own set of unique responsibilities, of course, but the extent to which a leader’s own performance affects his or her colleagues’ mental health must be considered when carrying out supervisory duties.
We offer extensive training in this area, from leadership coaching to wellbeing courses. Each programme is designed to create and maintain healthy, safe and respectful workforces, workforces in which everyone thrives.
If you would like to find out more about services and support offered by Inspire, please feel free to contact enquiries@inspirewellbeing.org.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
Winter wellbeing 2024
The festive season is here and we’re keen to highlight some wellbeing tips for now and the New Year. Head into 2025 in the best possible frame of mind. Switch off Technology allows us to be constantly connected to colleagues, family and friends. That is often a good thing but…
Reflections on IEEE eHealthCom 2024: Insights, Innovation, and Inspiration in Nara, Japan
Inspire’s Digital Development Lead, Gillian Cameron, reflects on her recent trip to Nara, Japan for the IEEE eHealthCom conference. Last week, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the IEEE eHealthCom 2024 conference in Nara, Japan. This annual event brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss…
Mental Health on the Agenda at King’s College London
Inspire’s Policy & Campaigns Office, Matthew Coyle, reflects on his recent trip to King’s College London and the knowledge gained at the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s annual conference. I had the privilege earlier this month of attending the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s third annual conference in…
Healthy Organisations Commit to Person-Centred Wellbeing
Employment takes up a good deal of our time. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average UK worker spends over 36 hours in work every week; in Ireland, that figure is 38.5. On World Mental Health Day, understand the effect that wellbeing washing can have on workers and…
On World Mental Health Day, Here’s How to Avoid Wellbeing Washing
As we count down to World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Inspire’s focus is very much on our ‘Don’t Wellbeing Wash’ campaign. Wellbeing washing is similar to green washing, its arguably more infamous cousin. It describes a company or organisational ethos that focus more on the illusion of staff…
World Mental Health Day: Don’t Wellbeing Wash
World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which takes place every year on 10th October, offers us all an opportunity to gather and talk about mental health, demonstrating to everyone that this is a subject worthy of open, honest discussion and explanation. In 2024, Inspire is marking WMHD by highlighting the important issue…
Government Action on Work-Life Balance a Positive Sign
The UK Government has announced plans to introduce new codes of practice for businesses, which are aimed at tackling burnout and codifying a right to switch off. This follows on from Labour’s campaign pledge to empower workers, providing them with the freedom to disconnect from their jobs outside regular hours and…
Workplace Conflicts Require Proactive Approach
Discord between colleagues is not unusual. The average workplace brings together individuals from different walks of life, people with distinct characteristics, objectives, points of view and ways of doing things. Quarrels are bound to develop from time to time. They can, however, have a significant impact on an organisation’s productivity,…
CIPD Conference Stresses Authentic, Empathetic Leadership
Inspire\'s Noelle Higgins, Business Development Manager – Therapeutic Services reflects on the recent CIPD conference and research. My colleague Jonathan Cody and I recently took the opportunity to head to the CIPD conference at the RDS, enjoying a day away from our e-mails and catching up with a range of…
Time to celebrate Workplace Wellbeing Day
Workplace Wellbeing Day takes place across Ireland on Friday 26th April and business group Ibec is encouraging employers everywhere to get involved. Workplace Wellbeing Day represents an opportunity for organisations to rebalance and refocus on the things that benefit their employees\' mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It also provides them…