Glass Ceilings’ good practice approach for workplaces:
- Train
- Raise Awareness
- Open Up Communication
- Listen
- Signpost Appropriately
From an employment perspective, contact details where people can access support should be clearly displayed in workplaces; remotely via intranet and on screens (the company desktop wallpaper is a good place); and, in any policies or guidance documents relating to health and wellbeing or taking time off work. Ensure you do due diligence and the services you refer to are properly qualified and trained.
Mental Health First Aiders are a really good resource to help hold an initial conversation and signpost to support.
Signposting someone to the most appropriate support is critical – even with experience and training in this area, if you’re not a qualified mental health practitioner then offering interventions could do more harm than good.
In addition to our advisory support on mental health casework, Glass Ceilings® also provides manager and Mental Health First Aid training to organisations.
Our CEO, Laura Evans, has a wealth of experience in supporting people with suicidal thoughts to re-enter the workplace. She says: “I’m passionate about employers getting these things right – to ensure people living with suicidal thoughts get the best possible support in the workplace, soon enough to make a difference. It can quite literally save a life.”
If you need support with a particular situation or developing your approach, please get in touch: [email protected]
10th September, 2024