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A lack of support at work is driving employees away and causing huge financial losses to businesses, a workplace wellbeing consultant has said.
Jennifer Neill, who recently launched a mental health training and consultancy business, wants to spark some much-needed conversations about wellbeing in the workplace.
Ms Neill began her career as a personal trainer, then became a prison officer at La Moye, and later worked at the mental health charity Mind Jersey.
She has also worked with Jersey Sport and Birthable using physical activity to improve the mental and physical health of minority groups as well as new and expectant parents.
However, she decided to start her own business after seeing the rising demand for preventative action at work.
Ms Neill said: “There was an undertone of people experiencing mental health in many of my previous roles, with employers not really knowing how to manage or support that, or lacking even the awareness that there was an issue in the first place.”
Pictured: Jennifer Neill said that dealing with poor mental health at work isn't just about individuals – but is a billion-pound cost to businesses across the UK.
Speaking to Express to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this week, Ms Neill shared insights and strategies for fostering a supportive work environment and the benefits this can bring to individuals and businesses.
The ex-prison officer and mental health peer support worker said: “It’s well accepted that there needs to be more focus on mental health and wellbeing in a working environment, but this should go much further than offering employees reference points or the number for a helpline.
“Conversations around the subject remain taboo, and it can be extremely difficult for people to ask for help, especially if they feel it would negatively reflect on their ability to do their role.”
Ms Neill said that dealing with poor mental health at work isn't just about individuals — but is a billion-pound cost to businesses across the nation.
She cited a 2023 study by Deloitte that said absenteeism, presenteeism, and high turnover rates cost UK employers £56 billion annually.
Pictured: Ms Neill spoke about the impact of poor mental health on businesses and the importance of creating a supportive work culture.
"Absenteeism is when you're off work sick through poor health, while presenteeism is when you should be off work due to ill health but still come in, and you're not as productive as you should be," she explained.
Research by Deloitte also found that the cost of labour turnover for mental health reasons in the UK increased rose to £22.4bn from £8.6bn between 2019 and 2021 alone — something Ms Neill said demonstrated that employees demand support for their wellbeing and will leave if it's lacking.
She described this as the era of the 'Great Resignation'.
"We're facing unchartered territories in the fact that turnover is so significant for employees at the moment," explained Ms Neill.
"We've got this huge issue with retention and with loss of productivity, and a lot of the reason for that is because people don't feel supported at work and they won't tolerate it."
She described herself as "a prime example of this".
"Every career that I've ever worked in or profession, I've left because the employer wasn't supporting my wellbeing in the way that I needed," said Ms Neill.
Ms Neill explained that the concept of mental health first aid was something every workplace could benefit from.
Pictured: Ms Neill introduced the idea of mental health first aid and its importance.
Similar to physical first aid, this training is about being the first point of contact for someone who may be experiencing the early signs of mental health issues or is in crisis — providing immediate support until professional help can be sought.
She said: "It's about recognising early warning signs and knowing how to intervene effectively."
Ms Neill said that the key to a healthier workplace starts with employers genuinely getting to know their staff.
This will allow managers to notice any changes in the behaviour or performance of their staff that could signal mental health struggles.
“The biggest indicator for mental health is a change in behaviour, physical appearance, or emotional state," she said.
"If you know someone you'll notice when they start acting differently or their performance slips and then you can intervene."
Pictured: Ms Neill spike about strategies for employers to support their workforce and said that starting a conversation about mental health will help to reduce stigma.
Ms Neill said regular check-ins and well-being surveys can tailor support to individual needs and foster a proactive rather than reactive approach to mental health.
The wellbeing trainer said: “The very best employers are opening up discussions on these subjects and putting in place structured plans to support their team through the many different factors that impact our mental wellbeing.
“It shouldn't cost too much over your time to have regular 1:1 meetings with staff. If an organisation tells me that they haven't got time for 1:1s, then they deserve to have a high turnover rate, in my opinion.”
She added that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that each organisation must understand and address the unique needs of its workforce.
Ms Neill also explained that flexibility in work arrangements can enhance wellbeing and productivity.
She said: “Organisations can be hesitant to allow flexible working because of the level of trust it gives the individual at home, but I would just say trust everyone until they give you the reason not to.
"You'll find that most people do become more productive when in a space they feel most comfortable.
"This could be turning an office space into a more comfortable environment for them, or allowing them to work in a space already comfortable to them, like home."
Pictured: “I don't support 100% remote working as an organisation, but flexibility is key."
However, Ms Neill cautioned against fully remote set-ups.
This, she said, could lead to a loss of valuable social interactions and the opportunity to properly check in on teams.
“I don't support 100% remote working as an organisation, but flexibility is key," she said.
Ms Neill added that loneliness isn't just a personal issue – it's a workplace one too. This is particularly the case for younger employees who may have started their careers during the pandemic.
She said that employers can combat this by fostering a sense of community in the workplace, and offering a variety of social activities not all centred around drinking.
The cost of living crisis isn’t just hitting wallets – it also may be impacting islanders' mental health, and is another thing employers should watch out for.
She said that financial pressures can lead to stress and anxiety among the workforce and underscored the importance of employers understanding the financial pressures facing their employees.
Ms Neill added that managers should be open to discussing these issues and providing support where possible using a compassionate and stigma-free approach.
For anyone hesitant to seek help, Ms Neill said that finding an ally at work can be a powerful first step.
"You could find a colleague who sits close to you with whom you have a good rapport and share your feelings with them," she said.
"I promise you, your shoulders will drop."
Pictured: For anyone hesitant to seek help, finding an ally at work can be a powerful first step.
"It's always really daunting. That first step of asking for help can be the hardest," she continued.
"There's often the fear of something is obviously bigger than the thing itself, but it's daunting, I know it is.
“There is a huge stigma, especially still, around men's mental health, and depending on what industry you're in, those stigmas will be bigger than others.
"But I promise you, asking for help will be the best thing you ever did. Whether it's in the workspace or outside the workspace.”
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Ms Neill is set to deliver a talk in Santander Work Café called 'Conversation for Good: Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Businesses'.
Tickets can be reserved for free HERE.
Express sat down with Jennifer Neill to talk about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace during Mental Health Awareness Week…
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