Evaluating the effect and impact of Mindful Employer Interventions in two organisations: The results of a ten-month study

This report presents the results of an independent academic evaluation of an intervention that was carried out in two employers in Leeds, with the aim of reducing the stigma around mental health in the workplace. The evaluation measured changes over time, by collecting baseline data and post intervention data. At each stage, an on-line questionnaire, based on the Time-To-Change survey was completed by employees, and this was complimented with in-depth interviews. The interventions were conducted by Mindful Employer Leeds and included providing management training on how to have conversations with colleagues and subordinates about mental health; improving communications about mental health; and increasing the visibility of support for mental health in the workplace.

The evaluation found that the interventions created positive cultural change across five key categories:
a) Awareness of policies and procedures around mental health
b) Workplace culture around mental health at work
c) Individual employees and their actions around mental health at work
d) Staff perception of line manager knowledge and support around mental health at work
e) Line managers’ awareness and practice.