Workplace Wellbeing: Rights and Local Resources

One in five Bristol employees experience stress, anxiety, or depression, according to a recent survey by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.

This matters now because the cost of poor mental health to Bristol businesses is estimated to be around £100 million per year, with employees taking an average of 12 days off work due to mental health issues. The city's active wellness culture, with its numerous yoga studios, gyms, and healthy food cafes, particularly in areas like Gloucester Road and Clifton, can sometimes mask the underlying issues of stress and burnout in the workplace. As a result, it is essential for employees to know their rights and access local resources to manage their mental health.

In Bristol, employees can access support services through organisations like the Bristol Mind charity, which offers counselling and therapy sessions at its base on St Nicholas Street. The University of Bristol also provides a range of wellbeing services, including mindfulness classes and stress management workshops, which are open to the public. Additionally, the Bristol Workplace Wellbeing Charter, launched in 2020, encourages businesses to prioritise employee wellbeing and provides a framework for creating a healthy work environment. Local businesses like the Watershed cafe on Canon's Road and the Arnolfini art centre on Narrow Quay are already signed up to the charter and offer wellbeing initiatives to their staff.

Local Data and Evidence

A recent study by the NHS found that 75% of employees in Bristol who accessed mental health support services reported an improvement in their wellbeing. The study also found that for every £1 invested in employee wellbeing, businesses can expect to see a return of £4 in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. With the average cost of providing wellbeing services estimated to be around £50 per employee per year, it is a small price to pay for the benefits it can bring. Since the launch of the Bristol Workplace Wellbeing Charter in 2020, over 100 businesses have signed up, covering around 10,000 employees.

So what can employees do to access these resources and improve their mental health in the workplace? Firstly, they should check their employment contract to see what wellbeing services their employer offers. They can also contact organisations like Bristol Mind or the University of Bristol to access support services. Additionally, employees can encourage their employer to sign up to the Bristol Workplace Wellbeing Charter and start creating a healthier work environment. By taking these steps, employees can start to manage their stress and improve their mental health, and businesses can start to see the benefits of a happy and healthy workforce.