The platform offers different types of free assistance and guidance for employers, from face-to-face training opportunities to specialist third-party contacts and advice on the legal duties of businesses. It aims to support employers by creating positive environments and improving the productivity of their workforce in a context where, according to the Government, poor mental health costs Scottish employers over two billion £ every year.

Moreover, recent research shows that, for 1£ spent on mental health interventions, employers get back 5£ in reduced sick days and increased productivity, confirming the absolute importance and even convenience for employers to deal with the issue.

Mental Wellbeing Minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “Happier workforces create successful businesses – it’s a win-win for all involved. The pandemic has impacted the mental health of us all, and employers need the tools to protect and support the mental health of their staff. This platform makes it easier than ever to achieve this, and I encourage companies across Scotland to get involved to benefit their staff and productivity.”

The Government also set up the See Me in Work portal, a free digital tool aiming to achieve positive change in the workplace across Scotland.

It provides a four-stage programme to guide employers through self-assessment activities, staff surveys and assistance with producing action plans for creating a culture of support and wellbeing in their workplaces.

As we previously reported, also according to the last Deloitte report, “Mental health and employers: The case for investment - pandemic and beyond”, published in March 2022, investing in mental health to support the workforce is the right choice for employers, from a workplace well-being point of view, related to better productivity, as well as from an economic point of view.

Scotland is an interesting example of how government can help employers tackle one of the biggest challenges the pandemic has brought to the world of work.