---
title: Early identification of Mental Health issues is key for productivity
description: Occupational Health services within the workforce are more critical than ever to support businesses looking to reduce absences & increase productivity.
image: https://www.ukim-oh.com/hubfs/UKIM%20Occupational%20Health%20and%20Wellbeing/News-Blog/female-wellbeing.jpg
---

# Why the early identification of Mental Health issues is key to a productive workforce

 Date:  10/03/2021

## Why is it important to improve workplace mental health?

**[Occupational Health services](https://www.ukim-oh.com/our-services) within the workforce are now more critical than ever in supporting businesses following the pandemic.** With many employees showing signs of **[presenteeism in the workplace](https://www.ukim-oh.com/our-services/absence-presenteeism-management)**, we are fully aware of the factors contributing to this. One of these factors is Mental Health Issues.** **

A recent study from the [Mental Health Foundation](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/coronavirus-mental-health-pandemic) has identified that over half of UK adults have felt anxious during the pandemic.  In a recent survey, [Nuffield Health](https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/working-from-home-taking-its-toll-on-the-mental-health-relationships-of-the-nation) has also identified that 80% of UK residents feel working from home is having a negative impact on their mental health.

At UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, we aim to build robust relationships with employers to facilitate, improve, and maintain your workforce’s **occupational health** and [**employee wellbeing**](https://www.ukim-oh.com/our-services/employee-wellbeing-strategies) to **reduce presenteeism** and support staff with mental health issues. 

We firmly believe that **early identification of mental health issues** is fundamental in offering long term support to your workforce. With our **Prevent**, **Assess** & **Treat** Biopsychosocial Pathway, we have a tried and tested process that allows us to identify issues. From there, we will define a pathway in which we can work together, meeting the needs of your business and ensuring maximum work capacity within your workforce. 

#### What are some early signs of mental health issues in the workplace?

With more staff working remotely, it can be harder to understand or identify if a team member is experiencing difficulties.   
Some early signs can be: 

- Outbursts & mood swings
- Change in work habits 
- Increased absenteeism & presenteeism 
- Withdrawal of social activities/events/calls 
- Lack of motivation 

#### How to support your HR department with workplace mental health issues.

UKIM can support your business with our **robust occupational health** and **wellbeing initiatives** for your employees; we can also: 

- Support individuals to remain well and resilient with our proven initiatives  
- Build awareness within the workplace both remotely and in-house 
- Create a culture in which employees can be open about their mental health
- Support employees to identify the early signs of mental health issues with our **[Health Surveillance support tool](https://www.ukim-oh.com/our-services/health-surveillance) **
- Assist employees with their stress management with our Anxiety Counselling and Grief Counselling support services. 
- Work together to maximise work capacity and ensure your staff can return to work 

We believe that implementing our robust occupational health pathway can reduce sickness absence, improve staff engagement and increase productivity.

 

#### Want more Occupational Health insights to help your business? You may also like to read...

- [NHS waitlist set to reach over 8 million by mid 2024 - can Occupational Health Services help?](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/nhs-waitlist-set-to-reach-over-8-million-by-mid-2024-can-occupational-health-services-help/)
- [UKIM Awarded Place on ESPO Framework for Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme Services.](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/ukim-awarded-place-on-espo-framework-for-occupational-health-and-employee-assistance-programme-services/)
- [Enhancing Employee Retention and Recruitment: The Role of Occupational Health Services.](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/enhancing-employee-retention-and-recruitment/)
- [Respiratory Health in the Workplace: The Importance of Occupational Health Services](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/respiratory-health-in-the-workplace-the-importance-of-occupational-health-services/)
- [What are the legal requirements and regulations related to Occupational Health and Safety?](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/what-are-the-legal-requirements-and-regulations-related-to-occupational-health-and-safety/)
- [How do Occupational Health services support employer duty of care?](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/how-do-occupational-health-services-support-employer-duty-of-care/)
- [How Investing in Occupational Health Services can lead to greater ROI ](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/how-investing-in-occupational-health-services-can-lead-to-greater-roi/)
- [Occupational Health Referrals for Employees and how to make them.](https://www.ukim-oh.com/news/latest-news/occupational-health-referrals-for-employees-and-how-to-make-them/)

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