Conference: Supporting line managers on mental health
21st March 2007, 00:00am - 00:01am, Central London Past event
The role of the line manager is fundamental to the mental well-being of any workforce. 'Supporting line managers on mental health' looked at mental well-being through the eyes of the line manager and triggered fresh thinking into how the correct support can be used to develop more efficient systems.
Key points from the event
- Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone. This year three out of ten employees will experience a mental health problem.
- The DDA no longer distinguishes between physical and mental disabilities. It now requires a person to demonstrate that their mental illness has a substantial and long-term affect on their abilities to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
- A clear, credible and well-communicated disability policy should include mental health.
Key themes from the event
- It is important that managers are trained to manage disability and all staff should receive disability awareness training.
- Communication is important and must be well managed.
- Explore different means of keeping in touch, arrange mutually convenient times for meetings and ask the employee who they would prefer to be their main contact.
- Long-term sickness can have a negative effect on mental health and a prolonged period of absence can increase the likeliness of never returning to work.
- Managed correctly, contact with colleagues and work during this time can contribute to recovery.