HEALTH * WELLNESS * INCLUSIVITY
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS IN THE WORKPLACE
I specialise in workplace mental health and through workshops, training, workplace needs assessments and psychological health and safety consulting, I aim to de-stigmatise mental illness.
CLIENTS RETAIN MY SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING IN THEIR WORKFORCE …
WHY SHOULD WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH IN SOUTH AFRICA MATTER TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES?
There is increasing evidence that more working days are lost due to mental health issues than physical ones.
Limited understanding of illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders is a source of massive frustration and interpersonal conflict in the workplace for leaders and sufferers.
A mentally healthy workforce is a productive, happy and cohesive one. This means that profitability is optimal.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicted that depression would be the second highest cause of morbidity in the world by 2020, and that was before the COVID pandemic.
Quick facts according to the South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
72% of surveyed people said that mental illness was affecting their work performance.
Depression is the most common mental health issue in SA.
Only 25% of people with a mental illness get or access treatment.
Employees take up to 18 days off a year because of depression.
1 in 4 employees, have been diagnosed with depression by a mental health professional.
1 in 3 South Africans will suffer from depression in their lifetime.
69% of employees said that their superiors demonstrated indifference and a negative attitude towards their mental illness.
THERE IS A GROWING EXPECTATION FROM EMPLOYEES THAT THEIR SENIOR LEADERS MUST ROLE MODEL, LISTEN AND SHOW EMPATHY AROUND MENTAL HEALTH.
With the rate of mental illnesses climbing due to the lockdown and the general COVID-19 situation (as illustrated in the statistics mentioned above), it is vital that employers find a way to balance the needs of business and the needs of its employees to ensure that productivity is maintained and mental health is supported.
A MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE IS WHERE PEOPLE AT ALL LEVELS HAVE A SHARED VISION OF, AND COMMITMENT TO, POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH.
The pandemic has taught leaders about the importance of inclusion, openness, trust and psychological safety for productivity, performance and organisational growth. I help businesses achieve a strategic and integrated approach to their employees wellbeing and mental health by delivering expertise across three core services: strategy consulting, workshops and training.
Empowering Leaders To Acknowledge That Mental Health Is A Collective Responsibility, And That Prioritising Mental Health Is Promoting Overall Organizational Health
Research shows that employees are happier when they feel more supported in their workplace. Whether it’s a work culture that promotes and supports accessible mental health resources, or a manager that responds sensitively to your needs – a work environment that supports your well-being is a workplace that cares.
MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS
I offer an engaging, entertaining and enlightening experience. Currently offering the workshops online and face-to-face where possible.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
I offer mental and physical health assessments to provide clarity on employees ability to perform their jobs and to suggest reasonable accommodations where applicable.
WHAT SOME CLIENTS SAY …
“This should be a TED talk.”
Delegate at in-house workshop on Employee Mental Health Matters
“A big thank you to you on being such an amazing host today for our #WTWW Self-love session! The event was a great success and everyone can’t stop raving about you! We learnt a lot today and you left us feeling empowered and motivated!”
HR Manager, Wunderman Thompson
“Thank you Lesley. I liked the fact that we were invited to participate in the discussion as it progressed and that there was time for questions afterwards if necessary.”
HR professional; Employee Mental Health during difficult times workshop
WHY LESLEY BURNS?
I have undergone expert training both in SA and abroad.
I have 23 years of experience in disability management and mental health in the workplace.
I offer my assessment and workshop services throughout South Africa.
I am a known expert in my industry field nationwide.
I am an excellent workshop facilitator
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Increased confidence. Measurable results. Immediate impact. That’s my mission — and what I pride myself on delivering to each and every client.
HOURS
Mondays to Fridays
08h00 to 17h00
Saturdays and Sundays: Closed
ADDRESS
Based in Gauteng. Although I serve clients throughout South Africa and globally online.