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Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a diverse sector that encompasses a large number of industries and sub-industries, ranging from heavy industries to specialist or delicate operations with an estimated 2.5m workers. Although every industry has its own unique challenges and stressors there are six common areas that can lead to work-related stress if not managed properly;
Never underestimate the power of reaching out and starting the conversation on stress and mental health at work. Having the right support at work can make all the difference to someone’s life.
An anonymous manufacturing worker shares their personal experience:
“I became so depressed, working away and having no one to talk to, I could no longer go to work. With the help of some fantastic work colleagues, I have since moved on and now my life is pretty good. I’m not sure if they realised the effect they played on getting me back to some sort of normality, but I will be forever in their debt.
“Mental health is a real issue within the workplace. Whist things are improving there is still a long way to go.”
Operations Manager at Composites UK Dr Sue Halliwell said: “A physically fit and mentally healthy workforce can deliver increased productivity, increased staff retention, and ensure employees are more fully engaged in their work.
“The manufacturing sector has traditionally focused on physical health and safety, but mental health and wellbeing is now rightfully demanding increased attention. Work related stress can be a significant cause of illness leading to absence, staff turnover and other issues such as increased capacity for error; the pandemic has only added to already increasing pressures across all businesses.”
Senior Policy Manager at Make UK, Jamie Cater, said: “Britain’s manufacturers have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of the importance they give to the wellbeing and mental health of their employees.
“Without doubt the pandemic accelerated the need to provide good programmes to promote wellbeing at a time workers were under unprecedented pressures.”
Information and resources
Make UK has launched a podcast series where former BBC Business Editor, Jonty Bloom, interviews companies and experts on the importance of mental health and explores examples of best practice, from large organisations to SMEs.
Find out more about the series of six podcasts on the importance of mental health.
To help start conversations and identify causes of stress for your workers, see our Talking Toolkit.
- See the blog from Peter Thorpe at Make UK on keeping momentum on employee wellbeing.
- See the blog from Graham Craig from British Plastics Federation on questions around wellbeing that every business needs to ask itself.
Contact Details
Corporate Communications
2.2 Redgrave Court
Merton Rd
Bootle
L20 7HS
2.2 Redgrave Court
Merton Rd
Bootle
L20 7HS
