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Shift: Line Managers' Resource
10th October 2007 at 00:08
October 2009: An updated version of Shift's Line Managers' Resource is now available. Use the links below to download an electronic copy, or visit www.shift.org.uk/employers for more information.
Download Shift's Line Managers' Resource:
The Shift Line Managers' Resource is a practical guide to managing and supporting people with mental health problems in the workplace.
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 problems.
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 (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.
Further information about these partners can be located at
www.shift.org.uk/employers