Workplace Health, it Matters Now More Than Ever

As Occupational Therapists, we know just how important workplace health is. 

Pre COVID-19, workplace health was not commonly spoken about. However, since the beginning of the pandemic and the huge rise in working from home, it’s really taken to the spotlight, especially as its all too easy to mask our wellbeing behind a screen.

What is presenteeism?

Presenteeism is an increasingly common issue in the UK workforce. It can be best described as employees working without the appropriate accommodations and adjustments when they are mentally or physically unwell. You might notice that someone is working harder, working longer hours, but their productivity is decreasing and they appear less satisfied or more self-critical at work.  

This can not only exacerbate a person’s symptoms but can cause burnout, low workplace morale, create an unhappy working environment and be costly to an employer in the long term. 

A government study suggests that on average, presenteeism costs UK businesses £605 per person each year. 

Why is presenteeism a problem?

 This could be down to many different external and internal pressures. For example, the individual could feel pressure from their employer, fear stigma or discrimination or equally it could be down to the individual feeling that work gives them a distraction. But in any circumstance, presenteeism is not good for the employer and certainly not for the employee. 

 However presenteeism isn’t always down to ill health, it can also describe when individuals are not productive within their working hours. This pattern of working can be frustrating for all parties, particularly during times of lone/home working, as employers don’t have the capacity to monitor progress in the same way, and an individual’s workload may pile up causing them anxiety. Which can build up to a point where the individual may go off sick, instead of recognising their current situation and asking for help. 

What can be done to help support workplace health?

KMA suggest a few options to help combat presenteeism in the workplace, especially when working from home. 

1. Mental Health First Aid courses

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an engaging, interactive and informative training course that enables people to feel more confident in identifying, understanding and helping someone who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. The courses run in 3 different formats a half-day, one day and 2-day course. Our trainer – Shelley is not only an Occupational Therapist here at KMA, but she’s also a MHFA national trainer. She has been praised by past delegates for her engaging and non-judgmental teaching style. At KMA we are skilled at delivering the courses virtually to meet with current government guidelines.  

If you would like to know more about MHFA courses and Shelley Cooper, have a read of our previous blog.

You can book courses directly with us, call 01264 326308.

2.               Regular check-ins with employees, on an informal basis

In our current climate, this should ideally be video, not telephone. If you set a time to call, this time should be kept and not delayed or forgotten.

It’s important that employees feel valued, now more than ever. With the pandemic affecting us all, it can take an extra toll on our mental health. As an employer, you could ask questions such as ‘How are you doing?’ ‘How are things at home?’. Ask about what they are doing to differentiate between work and non-work time. Such as ‘Are you able to put work away, not log on first thing, can you go for a walk prior to starting work?’ and really listen to their answer. 

3.               Assessments and intervention from KMA 

If there is an employee who you know is really struggling, mentally, physically or both we can help. At KMA we offer light-touch assessment/intervention tailored to suit the individual’s needs. Our team of leading Occupational Therapists are happy to talk through any cases you may want to refer, we can sometimes offer immediate signposts. 

If this individual is off work, we can help by reintegrating them in a sustainable and effective manner. We are client-focused, and ensure a transparent communication process for all parties. We can also help those who are still working but are at risk of going off sick. Early intervention is key to avoid long term absence. 

If you are a HR personnel we can offer streamline support, working with you, the employer and the individual to bridge the gap between all parties.