Introduction
Lichfields is committed to providing a healthy and supportive working environment which promotes good mental and physical health and wellbeing of all employees throughout its operations, training, and positive communication. We recognise the health of our employees is essential to their overall wellbeing, productivity, and the success of the company. This policy outlines our approach to encouraging a workplace where good health is valued within an open and supportive culture.
Mental health is such a broad topic that encompasses different conditions and forms, and it may change over time, just like our physical health does. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their position in the Company. In the workplace the most common ones are stress, anxiety and depression.
Every individual will have a unique relationship with their health and their own journey navigating personal difficulties, therefore it is important to provide an inclusive policy which emphasises that health and wellbeing support is available to all, acknowledges differences, and sets out available support systems, to become a source of reassurance to all our staff.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote a culture of openness around mental and physical health and wellbeing and encourage discussion.
- Provide necessary support and resources to employees experiencing health and wellbeing issues.
- Provide direction and guidance to employees on the management of health and wellbeing issues, as well as line managers and directors who may be impacted.
- Encourage a work-life balance that supports good mental and physical wellbeing of all staff.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to workplace health.
Scope and application
This policy applies to all employees. It covers all aspects of health and wellbeing, including early identification and intervention, available support, and returning to work after health-related absence.
This policy does not provide specific health guidance. Employees are encouraged to seek professional advice for any personal health concerns to ensure they receive the most appropriate support.
The policy is regularly reviewed and updated to remain in alignment with best practices and relevant regulations. For further guidance, employees can consult available health and wellbeing resources provided by Lichfields.
Responsibilities
At Lichfields everyone shares the responsibility of encouraging a healthy, supportive, and inclusive workplace. Employees and managers work together towards prioritising health and wellbeing. The HR team offer guidance and resources, while managers ensure open communication and fairness in our wellbeing initiatives. Each person is encouraged to use the available health resources and support systems which best suit their needs.
Definitions
Wellbeing is best understood as how people feel and how they function, underpinned by what they value in life influenced by a combination of physical, mental, social, emotional, and psychological factors.
Mental Health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community (World Health Organisation; 2022). Mental Health issues encompass a wide range of experiences which affect an individual's ability to cope with life and/or work responsibilities. The issues can range from stress and anxiety through to serious mental health conditions diagnosed and treated by the health services.
Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health issue, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health issue, or in a mental health crisis. The first aid by trained Mental Health First Aiders is given until appropriate professional help is received, or until the crisis appears to have been resolved.
Legal obligations
Lichfields has a ‘duty of care’ and understands the role it has in ensuring that health and safety legislation is adhered to. The Company undertakes to create a safe workplace where risks to mental health and wellbeing are limited as far as possible, staff are protected from discrimination and where mental and physical health are treated as equally important.
Lichfields understands the protection employees with a disability have against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, including the obligation for employers to introduce reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.
The Company is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to an employee’s role or workplace if they have a disability which places them at a disadvantage when performing their role. A disability is defined as “a mental or physical impairment that has a substantial long-term effect on normal day-to-day activities”.
How to identify, raise, and manage health and wellbeing concerns or issues, and related absence
Early identification and appropriate intervention
Physical health issues are often more apparent than mental health issues. We encourage all our employees to recognise early signs of mental health issues and initiate a supportive conversation with the employee where necessary to help to prevent issues escalating. In many cases, obvious indications that an employee is suffering from a mental health issue may not be present, however, early signs can include:
- Behavioural, mood or temperament changes.
- Long lasting sadness or irritability.
- Excessive fear, worry or anxiety which impacts the ability to make decisions and problem solving.
- Decrease in productivity and focus.
- Social withdrawal and reduced participation in activities previously enjoyed.
- Dramatic changes in consumption (food, alcohol or cigarettes) and/or sleeping habits.
For line managers/directors
We encourage our managers to address health and wellbeing matters with openness and sensitivity, considering these key points:
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be open, welcoming and sensitive.
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invite the employee to a private meeting and encourage them to talk openly about their health issues which may then involve follow up conversations on a regular basis.
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not make presumptions about how the health issue is impacting on the employee. Initial action should be taken to check how the employee is getting on at work, in the same manner as if the employee was suffering from a known physical health problem.
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understand what support is available internally and externally.
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be aware that health and wellbeing issues could be due to factors outside of work.
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be clear about confidentiality, and reassure the employee that no information will be shared with anyone else without their permission, unless there's a good reason to.
Reasonable adjustments
Lichfields is committed to supporting employees who are experiencing health and wellbeing issues, particularly when these concerns may qualify as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. We will consider reasonable adjustments in the workplace, which may include:
- adjusting hours of work or the location of work, including within the building itself;
- adjusting or reallocating duties of the job role;
- making amendments to the workplace environment; and
- amending absence triggers before disciplinary action is triggered.
Internal sources of support
Mental health first aiders and the Health & wellbeing team
Lichfields provides a range of wellbeing resources to support employees through personal or work-related challenges. Our dedicated Health & Wellbeing Team, which includes trained Mental Health First Aiders and Responders, offers confidential assistance and promotes a supportive environment for discussing health concerns. The team is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma around mental health issues, and guiding employees toward appropriate resources.
Employee Assistance Programme (“Empathy”)
Lichfields offers a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, providing employees and their immediate families with support from qualified professionals. This service is available 24/7 and includes resources to assist with a range of personal and work-related issues. The programme is designed to offer guidance, counselling, and practical support their mental health and wellbeing.
Annual performance appraisals
Within the reflections section of Lichfields’ annual appraisal form, there is dedicated space for staff to discuss their health and wellbeing, and how they’re feeling with their line manager should they wish to.
Flexible Working Arrangements
Lichfields provides options for flexible hours, hybrid working, and other adjustments to support work-life balance.
External sources of support
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Name and description
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Contact details
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NHS Mental Health Support
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Website: Click here
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CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably.
A charity providing a mental health helpline and webchat.
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Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 17:00 to midnight)
Website: Click here
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Men's Health Forum.
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
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Website: Click here |
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Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
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Website: Click here |
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Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
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Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00)
Website: Click here
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Rethink Mental Illness
Provides support and services for people living with mental illness, their carers, family and friends.
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Website: Click here |
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Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
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Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: Click here
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SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
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Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most Click here
Support forum: Click here
Website: Click here
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YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
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Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 09:30-16:00)
Website: Click here
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Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
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Phone: 0141 530 1000
Website: Click here
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