Shame at work stress

SIX in ten Irish workers are ‘not comfortable’ taking sick leave for mental health problems, a new survey has found.

The study, conducted by men’s mental health charity Mojo, asked 300 employees in Dublin if they would feel able to speak to their employer if they were experiencing mental health challenges.

Almost two thirds said that they were unsure if they would feel comfortable to speak openly about mental health issues.

Derek McDonnell, Mojo’s programme director, said: ‘Awareness of mental health challenges by employers is growing yet Irish employees feel comfortable taking a day off when they have a flu but not when they are stressed.

‘Both mental and physical conditions can stem from exhaustion and work pressures, so both should be considered equally.

‘Some employees feel that if they admit to experiencing a mental challenge, they might be passed up for a promotion as they may not be seen as “capable”. This is the stigma we have to break with employers and employees.’

Over 40% of Irish workers said that they were unsure if they would receive support from their work if they were experiencing mental health problems.

Businessman and Mojo past-participant Pat Munnelly said: ‘Speaking from experience as an employer and as someone who faced mental health challenges, I see the need for employers to accept that they have a role to play in supporting their employees’ mental health.’