Workplace mental health in spotlight

Morale and productivity link

A “step change” in workplace culture is needed to address mental health issues, a charity said, after it revealed almost half of workers have problems such as anxiety, low mood and stress.

Mind surveyed 44,000 employees and found almost half had experienced a mental health problem at their current job.

A “STEP CHANGE” in workplace culture is needed in order to address mental health issues, a charity has said, after it revealed that almost half of workers have experienced problems such as anxiety, low mood and stress.

Mind surveyed more than 44,000 employees and found that almost half had experienced a mental health problem at their current job – and only half of this 48 per cent had talked to their employer about it.

The charity said the findings suggest as many as one in four workers is struggling in silence.

The research comes just days after The Yorkshire Post revealed the increasing toll on the mental health of the region’s emergency workers.

Nearly 1,500 emergency service workers across Yorkshire had to take time off work for stress, anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2017/18, a four-year high.

More than 58,000 working days were lost as a result at Yorkshire’s fire, police and ambulance services, an increase of 33 per cent since 2014/15.

The Duke of Cambridge will today launch a free online initiative for employers and employees to collate information, advice, resources and training that workplaces can use to improve wellbeing. The Mental Health at Work “gateway” has been created by Mind with support from the Heads Together mental health campaign spearheaded by William, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, and 11 other organisations.

The Duke will be joined at today’s launch by Antonio Horta-Osorio, chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group.

He said Lloyds would be making “substantial use” of the Mental Health at Work gateway, which he described as a “hugely impressive undertaking”.

He added: “Our experience shows us that, with the right culture of support, employees can experience poor mental health at times, or live with an ongoing mental health condition, and still succeed and thrive at work.

“As employers, we have a real opportunity to change the way we approach mental health, giving our people the support they need to thrive.”

Last year’s Government-commissioned Thriving at Work report showed that as many as 300,000 people lose their job each year due to a mental health problem, and that poor mental health at work costs the UK economy between £72 billion and £99 billion.

Previous research by Mind revealed that one in three employers did not know where to look for guidance on mental health issues.

Mind chief executive Paul Farmer said: “Over the last few years employers have begun to take staff wellbeing more seriously and we know that many are doing great work around mental health in the workplace. Now is the time for a step change in how we think about mental health at work. All employers need to make it a focus and support their staff.

“It’s clear from our research that when employers support their managers properly, it can make a big difference to the whole organisation. The gateway gives managers the tools they need. Even small changes to policy, approach and workplace culture can make a really big difference to the mental health of those around us.

“No matter the size of your workplace, and no matter where you work, Mental Health at Work can help you find what you need to start or continue your journey to better workplace wellbeing for everyone.”

All employers need to make it a focus and support their staff. Mind chief executive Paul Farmer.

EVEN THOUGH it is widely accepted that Britain needs to improve its productivity if the country is to keep pace with its economic rivals, there is less consensus on how this should be achieved. Yet, while new technology and automation will play a part, it is, ironically, one of the issues that is probably adding to the stress and anxiety of today’s workers, and having an indirect impact on their effectiveness.

However, while mental health was once a taboo issue, this is no longer the case. Societal attitudes have changed, and predominantly for the better, thanks to greater awareness and understanding, hence today’s launch, by the Duke of Cambridge, of a new Mental Health at Work ‘gateway’. It has been developed by Mind, and other charities, so that support and guidance is available for employers and employees alike.

Given the number of staff who still feel uncomfortable talking to their boss about issues pertaining to stress, and estimates that an unhappy work environment could cost the economy up to £99bn a year, this is a necessary, timely and welcome development.

Yet, while health and safety legislation performs a vital role in protecting the physical wellbeing of staff in the workplace, there’s been less focus on the mental wellbeing of workers – and how their health might be compromised by the demands, responsibilities and expectations being placed on them. However, while there are many organisations in Yorkshire who have long realised that there is a direct link between staff morale and productivity, it can only be hoped that others now feel able to follow suit.