A Sandbach-based health, safety, fire and environmental consultancy has come up with a plan to improve mental health in the workplace.

Rhino Safety, based in the Edwin Foden Business Centre in Moss Lane, say one in four of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives.

And they have stressed the importance of having 'office dogs' in the workplace to improve employee well-being.

Research shows that dogs are proven to help reduce stress and anxiety and play a vital role in reducing loneliness.

Rhino Safety, who also have offices in London, has come up with six tips for better mental health in the workplace.

1. Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work policy that promotes positive mental health for all employees and outlines the support available for those who may need it.

1. Develop mental health awareness among employees by making

information, tools and support accessible, eg, by signposting them at

inductions, having reference to them in common areas, and

reminding employees about them during reviews and appraisals.

1. Encourage open conversations about mental health and the

support available when employees are struggling, both during the

recruitment process and at regular intervals throughout employment.

Offer appropriate workplace adjustments to employees who require

them.

1. Provide employees with good working conditions and ensure they

have a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for development.

1. Ensure all employees have regular conversations about their

Well-being with their line manager, supervisor or organisational

leader. Train and support line managers and supervisors in positive

management practices.

1. Routinely monitor employee mental health and well-being by

reviewing and interpreting available data, talking to employees, and

understanding risk factors. Rhino Safety is an award-winning management

consultancy, acting as the outsourced health and safety department

for hundreds of clients nationwide. Nub News readers offered free mental health awareness course Rhino is offering a free 'Mental Health Awareness' course to the

first 50 readers to respond; to redeem simply send an email with the

subject line 'NUB Free training' to [email protected] Their online 'Mental Health Awareness' course explains the difference

between mental health and mental illness, covers the symptoms of a

number of the most common mental illnesses, and provides some

practical advice on how you can work effectively with those affected

by these conditions. The company has a wealth of experience in a range of sectors from care, children's nurseries, offices, engineering, manufacturing, aviation, public event management and retail.