Access to Work Mental Health Support Service in the Workplace

Ahmed is a paediatric nurse working full-time in a local hospital. Over the last year, he has experienced increasing anxiety and low mood, impacting his ability to carry out his job role. Specifically, he finds it increasingly difficult to focus on individual tasks and struggles to manage and prioritise his workload. He is frequently overwhelmed and unable to get to work on time. Ahmed visits his GP, putting him on the waiting list for counselling and suggesting that Ahmed contacts the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service (MHSS).

The MHSS puts Ahmed in contact with a vocational rehabilitation consultant called Noah. At the first meeting, Noah introduces himself and the service, then explains the service parameters: a nine-month support programme specifically tailored to address the impact of Ahmed’s mental health in the workplace. Noah clarifies that he is not a medical doctor, psychologist or counsellor, and cannot offer clinical advice. Noah takes a detailed history from Ahmed of his mental health condition and workplace triggers. Noah builds trust with Ahmed through open questions and active listening techniques to help him disclose his concerns.

Ahmed and Noah devise a support plan to include practical advice and coping strategies for Ahmed to use in the workplace. For example:

• Colour-coded task tracker to help Ahmed keep on top of his administrative tasks
• Series of relaxation and breathing techniques to improve Ahmed’s ability to concentrate and focus on specific tasks

Noah also recommended some workplace adjustments and wellbeing support for Ahmed’s support plan. For example:

• Weekly Friday meeting with his line manager to check on his wellbeing and help him plan for the week ahead

Nine months later, Ahmed reports feeling better equipped to cope with his workload and less overwhelmed daily. He has strategies to plan and prioritise his work tasks, producing a more optimistic attitude towards his work and helping him manage his mental health.

[1] Bank J, Karjalainen H & Propper C (2020) IFS Briefing Note BN281 Recessions and health: The long-term health consequences of responses to coronavirus. London. Institute of Fiscal Studies.