We’ve made it to 2022, it’s easy to think ‘how are we still in this situation!?’ You could be forgiven for feeling like 2021 almost didn’t happen. That old saying ‘two steps forward three steps back’ comes to mind. But it’s more important than ever to focus on your own mental wellbeing and for companies to focus on employee metal health and wellbeing now.
Over the last few months since joining Cammach Bryant, I have been able to enjoy the benefits of our monthly HR forums, it’s been a great way to discuss and share trending topics. Unsurprisingly, metal health, work wellbeing and hybrid working have been the most discussed topics all year consistently.
Whilst mental health was becoming a more openly discussed topic before the pandemic took hold, developments around Covid-19 have undoubtedly moved mental wellbeing and wellbeing at work to the forefront for companies and the general public.
The pandemic has offered the opportunity for employers to prioritise employee wellbeing. It has fast-tracked what was already becoming a prominent topic, potentially through more people having an understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing, having gone through the pandemic together and sharing the stresses that have come with it. The positive in all of this, as we see at the forum, is there is now a more open discussion and an acceptance that mental wellbeing is a priority for all, with both employee and employer recognising how important the support network inside and outside work is.
So, this January I urge you to lose all the well-intended high expectations you set yourself at New Year with those pesky resolutions we all set, they just create further stress and pressure. We’ve seen enough extra stress and pressure over the last 18 months. My advice is to set realistic expectations for 2022. Use what we have all experienced in the last 2 years to focus on what is important to you. And talk to your employers, have they got an Employee Assistance package that you could benefit from, open discussion in your workplace around mental health and wellbeing and get the topic out there if it is not already being discussed.
One of the biggest trends we are likely to see in 2022 is what is being termed as the ‘Great Resignation’, employers out there now understand that the support they provide their employees plays a big factor in whether an employee feels valued and understood. Employers in 2022 know that it is no longer only about the salary, it is about the whole package and the support offered for employee wellbeing, and although the support on offer has improved, 2022 is likely to see this being even more of a priority when recruiting.
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