Mental health issues ‘taboo’ at work

Employers are being urged to do more to tackle mental health issues at work after studies warned of lost productivity and a reluctance to discuss problems.

Reports were published to mark Mental Health Aware - ness Week, including research suggesting that most workers would not discuss mental health with their manager.

The Institution of Oc cupat ion al Safety and Health (IOSH) said its survey of 400 employees indicated that mental health was still a “taboo” subject in the workplace.

One workers aid :“I have been diagnosed with anxie-ty and depression but never admitted to it at work for fear of being stigmatised.”

Duncan Spencer of the IOSH said the findings were “deeply worrying”.

A separate poll of 500 managers by business insurers QBE suggested that two out of five had lost contracts because employees continued to work despite having mental health problems. Spokesman Grant Clemence said: “Businesses are beginning to recognise the beneficial impact that supporting mental wellness in the workplace can have.

“While some employers may see absence as a cost, not allowing employees to take time to recover when they need it could be just as damaging.

“Workplace cultures mean many are not taking time off when they need it.”