Nurturing Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace: The Power of Professional Coaching

According to the FT Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning to fund occupational health schemes to tackle the growing number of individuals facing long-term sickness, with mental health conditions emerging as a significant contributor. 

The statistics are stark: in the first three months of 2023, over 1.35 million people, constituting 53% of those inactive due to long-term sickness, reported experiencing depression, bad nerves, or anxiety as secondary 

As Hunt contemplates tax incentives, subsidies, and regulations in his Autumn Statement to improve occupational health provision, the inclusion of professional coaching shouldn't be overlooked.

Professional coaches possess a unique ability to build trust and rapport with employees, creating an environment where growth and transformation can thrive. 

Our impartiality, coupled with our skills in active listening and insightful questioning, allows us to guide individuals towards meaningful solutions. 

By aligning personal and professional goals, employees can regain a sense of purpose and balance, which in turn bolsters their mental resilience.

As executive business coaches and mentors, we can play a pivotal role in promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace. 

Here are my five tips for employers seeking to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace:

1. Raise Awareness: Fostering a culture of openness about mental health is the first step. Encourage open dialogues through seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns. When employees feel safe discussing their challenges, it reduces stigma and encourages early intervention.

2. Stress Management Techniques: Equip your workforce with practical stress management techniques. From deep breathing exercises to time management strategies, these tools empower employees to navigate high-pressure situations while maintaining their mental equilibrium.

3. Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries. Emphasise the importance of disconnecting after work hours and utilizing vacation days. A rested mind is more resilient and creative, fostering a positive workplace atmosphere.

4. Skill Enhancement: Offer opportunities for skill enhancement that go beyond the daily tasks. When employees engage in activities they're passionate about, it enhances their sense of accomplishment and self-worth, contributing to their overall mental wellbeing.

5. Professional Coaching: Professional coaching has emerged as a game-changer in promoting mental wellbeing. Trained coaches provide a confidential space for employees to express their concerns and aspirations. They offer personalized guidance, helping individuals set achievable goals and develop strategies to overcome challenges.

The path forward involves cultivating awareness, imparting essential stress management techniques, advocating for work-life balance, nurturing skill enhancement, and, crucially, integrating professional coaching. 

Hunt's proposed measures signify a step in the right direction, but it's essential that the power of professional coaching is harnessed. By investing in the mental health of the workforce today, we can pave the way for a more productive, engaged, and resilient workforce of tomorrow.