Majority of workers believe employers need to promote better self-care

A new report shows that 23% of people feel uncomfortable doing acts of self-care in the workplace, with 25% saying the reason was due to a lack of understanding from their boss.

Of the 1,300 professionals surveyed for the CV-Library report, a significant 74.2% said they feel that employers should do more to promote self-care at work.

According to the findings, the most common methods of self-care includes:

• 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 meditations (21.5%)

Interestingly, 36% of those questioned admitted that it would make them feel uncomfortable if a colleague did discuss their mental health needs, either with a team member, HR, or a manager.

Just over 33% stated they would feel awkward if a colleague did short meditations in the office and 30.4% felt uncomfortable with breathing exercises.

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, commented, “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 of 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.

“Given the huge staff shortages in the UK, supporting self-care practices and attention to mental health are now a deciding factor for candidates when considering their next move.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.