Follow the lead of the big boys

When your housekeeper or other domestic staff employee has an illness, it’s often easy to see and you can raise the issue if and when needed.

But when the problem is a mental health condition, how can you tell?

Well, in truth, unless you see a deterioration of work, or obvious signs of stress, you wouldn’t know . So, how many employees do have symptoms of a mental health condition? The answer may well shock you!

According to a survey of 44,000 people carried out by the mental health charity Mind, poor mental health issues affect 50% of all employees. It says around 300,000 people lose their job each year due to a mental health problem.

Now, some of the UK’s largest employers are pushing for the government to honour a pledge and give mental health issues the same status as physical health in the workplace. This would mean that employers would have to provide appropriate training for staff to deal with mental ill-health.

Now, no one is suggesting that this would apply to employers of just one or two domestic staff. However, an informal chat with a an employee just asking if everything is OK, and reassuring them that if they have concerns they can raise them with you, might go a long way and be appreciated.

It costs nothing and helps cement a working relationship, and that can’t be bad.

The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.