The findings of research done by MHR reveal that 53 percent of all employees believe their employer is not showing concern about their mental health well-being during the current lockdown.
The research involved 5,000 UK employees, two-thirds of which (66 percent) say they are worried about the effects of the pandemic on their job. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents express a need for increased contact with their managers to discuss their health and wellbeing.
Employees might be in the right as the poll found that only 24 percent of managers make sure to check in with their employees about their mental health regularly.
While the duty of care employers is to check in with their employees about their mental health and wellbeing, 43% percent of employees said that their manager makes no effort to do so.
Anton Roe, CEO at MHR, said: “As we enter Mental Health Awareness Week, our poll clearly highlights the need for more regular communication between managers and employees. Organisations must utilise technology to connect their remote workforce and enable better people engagement. Organisations need to prioritise creating a culture of collaboration, transparency and kindness during this difficult time.”
“Many employees find themselves in isolated situations when working from home, and the physical workplace was an important means of social interaction. It is essential that managers demonstrate to employees that their safety and wellbeing is paramount.”
Roe adds: “Regular check-ins can help managers and employees to stay connected. This gives a useful insight to the line manager about how an employee is faring in the current climate and provide the necessary reassurance and support to aid their mental wellbeing.”