We’ve added a new Employer’s Toolkit: How to Respond to a Reasonable Adjustment for Mental Health Request, in the free templates area of PeopleStreams.

ACAS Guidance in handling reasonable adjustments for mental health at work

ACAS has recently published new guidance which aims to support UK employers in handling reasonable adjustments for mental health at work. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 15% of working-age adults suffer from poor mental health at any time, making it a critical issue for employers.

Confidence in holding conversations about mental health in the workplace

As an employer, it is essential to prioritise the wellbeing of your employees and to create a supportive and inclusive work environment. Many organisations are extremely successful in actively promoting mental health discussions and supporting their employees.

Some employers may be seeking ways to do more of this but managers may feel ill-equipped to handle such conversations and prefer to avoid them altogether due to a lack of confidence in handling that discussion.

Mental health issues still carry a significant amount of stigma. Managers may fear that discussing mental health could perpetuate stereotypes or create discomfort among employees. A lack of understanding about mental health can also contribute to managers avoiding these discussions.

Managers may worry about inadvertently violating employment legislation when discussing an employee’s mental health. Without proper knowledge or training, they might be cautious to engage in conversations that could potentially lead to legal issues.

Workplace culture and norms can also influence how mental health is perceived and discussed. In some work environments, there might be an emphasis on productivity, self-reliance, or a “tough it out” mentality, which discourages open conversations about mental health.

Having the the necessary resources, policies, and support systems in place will provide managers with the confidence to effectively address mental health concerns.

Promoting mental health in the workplace is crucial for employee well-being, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. Employers should strive to create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns and seek appropriate help when needed.

Employer’s toolkit: How to Respond to a Reasonable Adjustment for Mental Health Request

Within our toolkit: How to Respond to a Reasonable Adjustment for Mental Health Request, you will find a comprehensive set of resources and templates that will guide you through the process of responding to a reasonable adjustment request. These resources include step-by-step instructions, best practices, and customisable templates that can be tailored to suit your organisation’s unique needs.

By implementing appropriate reasonable adjustments, employers can help alleviate the barriers faced by employees with mental health conditions, enabling them to thrive in their roles and contribute to the organisation’s overall success.

Employer’s Toolkit: How to Respond to a Reasonable Adjustment for Mental Health Request

The employers’ toolkit includes:

• A definition of mental health
• What the law says about reasonable adjustments
• The benefits of making reasonable adjustments for employers    
• Examples of reasonable adjustments for mental health  
• How to respond to a reasonable adjustment for mental health request, including:
  • How to acknowledge the request             
  • Why it’s important to seek further advice and guidance 
  • How to prepare prior to the meeting      
  • How to hold a meeting with the employee           
  • The importance of seriously considering what could work for both parties             
  • How to implement any adjustments       
  • Why monitoring the support provided is key       
• Data protection
• Tips on how to start a conversation about mental health
• Template letters: acknowledging the request, confirming agreed adjustments     
• A sample meeting agenda            
• Information about signposting

If you’re already a member, you can access the template here:

https://community.peoplestreams.co.uk/auth/sign-in

Or click here to request to join. We’d love to see you there!

To read a complete guide to improving workplace mental health visit: https://www.fitzgeraldhr.co.uk/improve-workplace-mental-health-guide