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This quick-read refresher brings together content from the latest addition to the NEBOSH pocket guide series, offering definitions and explaining the links between wellbeing, stress, and mental health in the workplace.

Workplace mental health and wellbeing

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on mental health and wellbeing within the OSH community. Mental health, wellbeing, and stress are interconnected issues that affect individuals worldwide, often arising from challenges in the workplace. Employers and society have started to recognise that the overall health and safety of individuals—encompassing both physical and mental health—is equally important.

When a person experiences poor mental health, it can affect various aspects of their life, leading to work-related errors, illness, and accidents. It is essential for employers to acknowledge this and take proactive steps to ensure that the working environment does not contribute to declining wellbeing and mental health. Implementing wellbeing interventions in the workplace can offer numerous benefits for both employees and employers, including, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. By providing support and resources for mental health, organisations can foster a more positive work environment, enhancing employee morale and job satisfaction.

Wellbeing and its benefits

Wellbeing and mental health are defined as "the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy" (Oxford English Dictionary). A strong state of wellbeing equips individuals with resilience to cope with illnesses, stress, and other factors that may negatively impact their lives. Actions and policies that promote wellbeing represent a proactive approach to enhancing health and creating a robust defence against potential issues.

Stress defined

Stress is a significant factor that can jeopardise wellbeing and affect both mental and physical health. It may originate from various aspects of a person's life, both inside and outside the workplace. Organisations are responsible for recognising workplace stress as a health and safety risk, just like any other hazard. Although all jobs entail some level of pressure and potential stressors, assessing and managing these factors is crucial to prevent or control negative impacts on employees.

Mental ill-health defined

Mental ill-health is a broad term encompassing various issues likely present within any organisation. Like stress, mental health can be affected by all aspects of a person's life and circumstances. Employers have a duty to identify individual needs and provide support and adjustments that enable employees to work effectively and productively.

NEBOSH's latest addition to the Quick Reference Guide series, Quick Reference Guide to Managing Wellbeing, Stress and Mental Health in the Workplace, is a helpful resource for health, safety, and wellbeing management professionals. It has handy key points for people to draw on or refresh themselves with, highlighting key topics and approaches from NEBOSH qualifications, such as the Working Wellbeing Award, the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work and the NEBOSH National and International General Certificates.

***Quick Reference Guide to Managing Wellbeing, Stress and Mental Health in the Workplace Special Offer***

Use code QRNL20 in the NEBOSH shop checkout to get 20% off your copy.