Workers feel employers should do more to promote self-care

With men’s mental health month in November, a new survey reveals that a whopping 74.2% of workers feel that employers should do more to promote self-care in the workplace.

The study, from CV-Library, which surveyed over 1,300 UK professionals, also reveals that 1 in 4 (23.4%) professionals do not feel comfortable doing acts of self-care at work, with a further 25% stating that a lack of understanding from their boss was the reason.

Interestingly, among those who did partake in acts of self-care, the most popular methods include:

Leaving your desk for short walks (68.6%)
Doing breathing exercises (32.4%)
Discussing mental health needs with a colleague, HR rep or manager (27.5%)
Investing in equipment such as a standing desk (25.1%)
Short mediations (21.5%)

More than a third (36%) of UK professionals revealed that it would make them uncomfortable if a colleague discussed their mental health needs with a team member, HR, or a manager.

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library comments: “Unfortunately, many businesses have habitually underestimated the importance of self-care in the workplace.

“The pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront and this survey highlights just how important it is to the vast majority UK professionals.

“Businesses need to play catch up and we can all put in more focus and effort upon the mental health of our employees.”