Acas has launched new guidance to help employers manage staff who are experiencing mental health issues. The new guidance aims to help managers develop the right skills to support employees as well as to create a culture of well-being in the workplace. It includes advice on:

• spotting the signs of mental ill health
• talking to a team member that may be experiencing mental ill health
• supporting a team member during periods of mental ill health
• helping a team member return to work.

The guidance also includes recommendations for managers about how best to have a conversation about mental health at work, including:

• moving the conversation to a private space to prevent any disturbances
• being open minded and being prepared for the unexpected
• allowing the employee as much time as they need
• thinking about potential solutions and adjourning the meeting if it’s necessary to think through what has been discussed before making a decision.

Acas has also updated its guide on “Promoting positive mental health in the workplace” and this can be downloaded from its website.

The new guidance follows the publication of a recent survey indicating that while employers are doing more to tackle employees’ mental health issues, they would be receptive to receiving more training and guidance.