According to the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace, with 12.7% of all sickness days in the UK caused by a mental health condition.
This was a pre-pandemic statistic.
80% of people already living with an ongoing mental health illness has said COVID-19 has made it worse.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Every year on 10th October, World Mental Health Day is celebrated to raise awareness on the importance of mental health and wellbeing. This year has been mentally and emotionally draining for countless reasons due to the pandemic, so it’s crucial to advocate the significance of mental health and how we can support each other.
SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS US ALL
Everyone has mental health and it’s impacted in different ways.
While Ambitions Personnel is not a mental health expert, as a recruiter we’ve had a fairly deep insight into the impact the pandemic has had on many businesses, workers and candidates.
We can’t provide medical advice, but we can tell you that you’re certainly not in it alone if your mental health has suffered.
LOST LEADERS
Business owners and leaders have faced immense pressure to keep operating this year, even those who experienced a less severe impact to their organisation. The threat of losing business and employees became a horrible reality for many.
Take pride in how hard you have worked throughout this truly difficult time. But, as an employer don’t forget how equally vulnerable your workforce is right now.
When someone is suffering from their mental health it can often be invisible. How someone presents themselves at work, is not how they feel on the inside or at home.
THERE’S NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO FEEL
You may have had the busiest 8-months of your working life. You may have been crippled with anxiety over your job security. You may recently have started a new position as COVID brought your last one to a finish.
Resentment. Anxiety. Guilt.
It’s fine to be exhausted if you’ve not a had a break all year. It’s understandable to still be anxious over your job security. It’s normal not to be completely content the whole time when you have a job, knowing others are desperate for work.
This year has thrown everyone. There is always someone worse off, but that doesn’t been you have to suppress your emotions.
FOCUS ON YOU
As a job seeker, being told that you’re not alone, may not feel so comforting! Job hunting is a strenuous activity at the best of times. Right now, the candidate pool is crowded and competitive, but weekly job postings have been on the rise since June.
Whatever your circumstances, don’t lose hope or focus. Job hunting is supposed to be hard and time-consuming, but do give yourself a break every now and then. Literally and emotionally!
Stop comparing yourself to others. Consider short-term solutions until you can secure your ideal role. And accept all the help you can.
HELP & SUPPORT
These are just a few, generic examples of different impacts the pandemic has had on our mental health. It is a complex but common issue, and there is so much professional help out there for mental health:
HOW AMBITIONS CAN HELP
Again, we’re not medical or mental health professionals, but we’re recruitment specialists. If your emotional wellbeing is suffering due to struggles with job hunting, then we can help.
Contact your local branch today to register with us and find out what vacancies we have in your area. We provide a friendly and tailored experience for our candidates, and our consultants are always happy to help.
If you’re outside of our areas, then we still have a bank of free support and guidance on job hunting, employment issues and advice for employers. Read our blogs and press releases, and listen to our podcasts.