The rise of ‘mental health washing’?

The rise of ‘mental health washing’?

A survey of 1,000 UK adults for World Mental Health Day found that 79% don’t believe their employer is genuine about acting on mental wellbeing: they’re happy to talk about the value of mental health and their commitments, but that doesn’t translate into policies and action in practice.

In other words, the internal postings, social media statements and web campaigns are a form of ‘mental health washing’, it’s claimed.

The one-off approach

The study by the payroll and finance software provider MHR also pointed to how 19% of FTSE 100 employers only posted about mental health once a year — only to coincide with the awareness-raising events like World Mental Health Day, and nothing more.

In response to the findings, HR commentators have criticised the trend for organisations to introduce one-off schemes, wellbeing and finance apps, free yoga or health foods, rather than look to create a full wellbeing strategy that includes accountability, a level of monitoring of impact and progress.

The proactive EAP

EAPA UK Chair, Karl Bennett said: “Expectations among staff around attention and support for mental wellbeing have been transformed — and there’s no going back. Work and workplaces have a real impact on people’s mental health, including many positive benefits. It’s a shared responsibility.

“Increasingly that means moving away from promotional activities, or what might feel like token schemes, towards demonstrating impact and what really works for both employees and the organisation by getting to to the crux of what’s causing problems. “EAPs will play a more important role, as the basis of a more pro-active and preventative service, ensuring there are earlier interventions among employees — demonstrating active commitment and catching situations before they lead to health issues that no simple perks and offerings can ever help with.”