THE PROBLEM

There is a silent Global challenge that is affecting some of the richest and most developed countries in the world – Mental Health.  From low mood swings to loss of life, the mental health crisis among employees and recent external factors have exacerbated this such as the pandemic, countries at war and the rising cost of living.

This crisis must be respected with the same importance as health and safety because it is an integral aspect of the performance of health and safety.

Inroads have been made to improve Mental Health support, but more needs to be done, and it is the responsibility of industry leaders to make this change happen.

THE EVIDENCE

In the UK, studies suggest one in six workers experience a Mental Health issue a week, and one in four a year.

A recent study by the International SOS Foundation of onshore remote rotational shift workers found 40% experienced suicidal thoughts some or all of the time while on duty.

According to the McKinsey Health Institute “across 15 countries, around 60% of employees have experienced at least one mental health challenge at some point in their lives

THE SOLUTION

A Mental Health charter for energy was launched in 2023 and a task force created shortly afterwards to drive this call for change and universal approach forward.  The aims of the charter are:

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To lay out principles that are deemed to be fundamental to creating a safe psychological and caring working environment and set a minimum standard for Mental Health care provision.

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To frame on-boarding training for industry leaders on people skills.  To establish a commitment from them to care for and improve the Mental Health of their people.

To make the best use of appropriate existing tools to develop an improved Mental Health framework designed to deliver on industry goals and objectives.