Time to Challenge
Good news for everyone at work or looking for work. Time to Challenge will confront the stigma and discrimination that people with experience of mental health problems face in the workplace.
As part of the Time to Change programme lead by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Time to Challenge aims to raise awareness of mental health amongst employers, employees and those looking for work. It will also support people's legal right to be treated fairly by taking on legal test cases.
With the right help, people experiencing mental health problems can - and do - stay at work. Whether you're an employer, an employee or someone looking for work, the Time to Challenge website gives you everything you need to know about looking after your mental health in the workplace.
Online resource
During November 2009, Time to Challenge launched a new online resource packed with information for just about everyone - guidance and tips for line managers and HR professionals, information for employees on topics such as managing stress and when and how to disclose mental health problems, and advice for those applying for jobs.
Take a look at the online resource by visiting the Time to Challenge website.
Employers
Ignoring the mental health of employees has a huge cost to employers. Yet proactive management of employees' physical and mental health can produce a range of important business benefits including reduction of sickness absence; lost time due to accidents and associated costs; greater staff engagement and productivity; reduced staff turnover, recruitment and costs. So a healthy, happy workforce makes good business sense for every organisation.
On the Time to Challenge website, line managers and professionals working in HR or Occupational Health can gather plenty of practical advice on how to support someone experiencing mental health problems - what to say, how to keep in touch during a sickness absence, and which sorts of 'reasonable adjustments' to consider when an employee is returning to work. A wide range of inspiring films show how line managers and employees have been able to work together successfully thanks to a little flexibility and open-mindedness. In addition, there are case-studies from leading organisations to highlight the strategic commitment these companies have made to their employees' wellbeing.
Find more information on support for employers on the Time to Challenge website.
Employees
Time to Challenge can help employees to manage stress levels; make an informed choice as to whether or not to tell their employer about a mental health problem; and learn user-friendly strategies on how to return to work after long-term sickness.
Find more information on support for employees on the Time to Challenge website.
Job seekers
For those people looking for work, Time to Challenge can offer advice about the job application process and signpost people to organisations that provide training, careers advice and advice on benefits.
Find more information for job seekers on the Time to Challenge website.
Legal rights
If things don't go according to plan, the Time to Challenge website provides plenty of information and case studies to show how the law offers protection against discrimination on the grounds of a mental health problem. Time to Challenge is also actively looking to support anyone who feels they have been discriminated against due to a mental health problem either at work or when looking for work.
Email the Time to Challenge team to find out if they can help with your case.
