Shift Line Managers' Resource updated

[Shift]

Shift has published an updated version of the Line Managers' Resource,
a document that gives practical advice to managing and supporting
people with mental health conditions in the workplace.

http://shift.org.uk/employers

The resource is written for managers and recognises that workplace
settings are vast and very diverse. It offers practical advice on
managing and supporting people who are experiencing stress, distress
and mental health conditions.

You can use it both to learn good practice in preparation for when an
employee or employees are off on mental health grounds and to support
their return to work.

The resource aims to directly address the fear, ignorance and stigma
around engaging with someone experiencing mental health problems. The
key message is that it is important to talk openly and with trust. The
guide suggests practical steps that you and your employees can take
together to:

* match the job requirements with the employee’s capabilities
* maintain regular contact with staff to identify any problems early
* talk at an early stage of distress to prevent the problem
escalating
* keep in touch during sickness absence to offer support and plan
for the return to work
* achieve a successful return to work
* manage a long-term illness whilst remaining in work, and
* access sources of support and information.

The accompanying website (http://www.shift.org.uk/employers) also
provides advice and information for employees to help them to assess
their own needs and plan for meetings with their manager.

This resource has been developed by Shift, the Department of Health’s
programme to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding people
with mental health conditions in England. It is part of Shift’s Action
on Stigma initiative aimed at supporting employers to promote good
mental health and reduce discrimination. This resource is a revised
edition of the original Line Managers’ Resource (LMR) published in
2007. The original LMR was itself an update of the Mind Out for Mental
Health Line Managers’ Resource published in 2003.

We have produced this resource in partnership with the Department of
Health, Department for Work and Pensions, Health and Safety Executive,
Cross-Government Health Work Wellbeing Delivery Unit and the Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development.Find out more about these
partners: http://shift.org.uk/employers/aboutus

Visit the Shift Line Managers' Web Resource to read the resource
online and to download electronic copies:
http://shift.org.uk/employers