The summer months bring along particular challenges including additional workplace stress, changes in routine, social pressures, heat stress and the summer productivity slump. Here are some behaviours and processes you can use to support your employees mental health during the summer:
Lead by example:
In order to create a workplace culture that promotes wellbeing mangers and team leaders must set the tone. They should get involved in wellbeing initiatives, start wellbeing conversations and ideally have undergone mental health training or be able to direct employees to a mental health first aider.
https://www.globacare.co.uk/guides/how-can-summer-affect-employee-mental-health
Effective workload planning:
Effective planning including annual leave allocation and handovers between colleagues will help reduce workplace stress. This will help employees to have manageable workloads during the summer. You should also consider the summer slump so maybe the summer isn’t the ideal time to introduce an entirely new project.
Flexible working:
Flexible working arrangements can support wellbeing throughout the summer especially for those with changes in routine or those who are juggling childcare and working responsibilities. Flexible working hours may also enhance productivity as they will be able to work when they can focus. A flexible working location including from home and different offices can give employees more control over there working environment and they can manage their routine better. Flexible working policies overall support the wellbeing of staff through reducing stress and allowing them to create a work life balance that suits them.
Mental health resources and support:
Inevitably staff will need further support with their mental health de to personal circumstances therefore it is important that as an employer you can guide them to self-care resources. Health insurance with mental health coverage will also increase accessibility to mental health support for staff. You should also have a employee assistance program where employees can offer online advice and support from expert organisations.
You can find more guidance on this topic here:
https://www.globacare.co.uk/guides/how-can-summer-affect-employee-mental-health
