Mental health is something every organisation talks about, but one group still seems less likely to ask for help.
Men continue to have some of the highest rates of suicide in the UK, yet many wait until they’re in crisis before speaking to someone. For care providers, this isn’t simply a wider societal issue. It can affect the wellbeing of your workforce, sickness absence, retention and ultimately the quality of care your organisation provides.
The Statistics Are Hard to Ignore
Recent UK figures continue to show that suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. Around three-quarters of all suicides registered in England and Wales are male.
At the same time, NHS Talking Therapies data consistently shows women are more likely to access mental health support than men, suggesting many men continue to struggle in silence.
For employers, this creates a challenge. Someone may appear to be coping while quietly dealing with stress, anxiety, burnout or depression.
Mental Health Doesn’t Always Look How You Expect
Not everyone experiencing poor mental health will tell their manager they’re struggling.
Sometimes it shows up in different ways.
You might notice someone who:
- Becomes unusually quiet
- Starts arriving late or taking more time off
- Appears irritable or withdrawn
- Loses confidence
- Stops engaging with colleagues
- Makes more mistakes than usual
These changes don’t automatically mean someone has a mental health condition, but they can be an opportunity to check in.
Creating a Workplace Where People Feel Comfortable Speaking Up
Many organisations have wellbeing support available, but employees won’t always use it if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.
Culture plays a huge part.
Simple actions can make a difference:
- Managers checking in regularly, not just during appraisals
- Encouraging open conversations
- Making support services visible
- Training managers to recognise early signs of poor mental health
- Creating an environment where asking for help isn’t seen as a weakness
Often it’s the everyday conversations that encourage someone to seek support before they reach crisis point.
Supporting Managers Too
Managers are often the first people staff turn to.
That doesn’t mean they’re automatically equipped to recognise early warning signs or have supportive wellbeing conversations.
Providing practical training gives leaders greater confidence to respond appropriately while understanding the boundaries of their role.
How Halo Staffing Can Help
Supporting staff wellbeing is about more than reacting when someone is off sick.
Halo Staffing offers a range of health and social care training, including Mental Health Awareness, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership and Management development and Communication Skills.
By investing in managers and frontline teams, organisations can build healthier workplaces where people feel supported to perform at their best.
Looking after staff isn’t only good for wellbeing. It helps create more stable teams, improves retention and ultimately benefits the people receiving care.
Ensure you and your staff team are working towards building a healthier workplace by clicking the button below!
