Social care is extremely rewarding but working in this sector doesn’t come without its challenges. Figures from the Office of National Statistics from February 2021 showed 26% of care workers were likely to be experiencing some form of depression, and 27% were likely to be experiencing an anxiety disorder.
This Professional Care Workers Week, the team at Abbots Care has put together some ways employers can support staff mental well-being both for this week, and every day.
Provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an essential way to support the mental health of care staff. An EAP provides confidential counselling services, helping staff to get through personal and professional challenges. By giving them access to trained professionals who can assist with stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, employers demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their team.
Abbots Care, a leading care provider with an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has taken a pioneering step in addressing the pressing issue of staff retention in the care sector by introducing their innovative wellbeing app. Since the launch of the app in 2021, Abbots Care has seen a 20.7% increase in overall staff retention, and a 10% increase year on year.
Ensure weekly or monthly check-ins are scheduled
Regular check-ins with a manager can make a significant difference in a care worker’s mental health. Recent statistics from the CQC Adult Social Care Workforce Survey in January 2023 revealed that 28% of homecare providers cited staff burnout as a significant factor contributing to staff departures, so these sessions offer a structured opportunity for staff to discuss their concerns. Managers can use these check-ins to identify early signs of stress or burnout and take proactive steps to support their team members.
Stress management training
Providing stress management training equips care staff with the tools they need to handle the pressures of their job. This training can include techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management skills. Carers UK offers regular wellbeing sessions and discussions with carers on their diverse experiences of caring. This forum allows carers to connect and destress.
Give resources on bereavement support and counselling
Dealing with loss can be extremely mentally taxing for carers. Providing resources on bereavement support and counselling ensures that staff have the necessary support to cope with these challenging experiences. By offering access to specialised (and free) counselling services, such as IndependentAge, employers can help their staff process grief and continue to thrive in their roles.
Abbots Care recognised the urgency of both staff mental health, and the care recruitment crisis and acted decisively. The company’s innovative wellbeing app provides essential resources and support to remote employees, focusing on mental health, stress management, and work-life balance.
Quote from Camille Leavold, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Abbots Care – :
“We started Abbots Care back in 1995, working as care workers ourselves, so we really understand what it is like to work supporting vulnerable people and just how lonely and isolating it can be at times.”
“Retaining and appreciating our workforce is something really close to my heart, and since its launch, our app has made a huge impact not only in the way our people and company communicate but our culture and team motivation as a whole.”
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