According to a major new survey of almost 44,000 employees carried out by leading mental health charity Mind:
- Almost half (48 per cent) had experienced poor mental health, such as stress, low mood, and anxiety, while working at their current organisation
- Of those respondents, only half chose to tell their employer about their difficulties (10,554).
These new findings also show:
- More than eight in ten people (84 per cent) would continue to go to work when experiencing poor mental health while only just over half (58 per cent) would go to work when experiencing poor physical health
- Only two fifths (42 per cent) of all employees surveyed felt their manager would be able to spot the signs they were struggling with poor mental health
- A fifth (21 per cent) of all respondents feel that their current workload is unmanageable.
Working conditions and environment can have a huge impact on mental health and, equally, someone’s mental health can have a significant impact to perform well in their job. Evidence* suggests that:
- 7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions, and
- Better mental health support in the workplace can save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year
(*source: The Mental Health Foundation)
There are numerous ways that you can help improve mental health in the workplace, with a few examples including:
- Make time for conversations with employees to ask how they are doing
- Be proactive, don’t ignore it. By taking action you not only minimise the impact of poor mental health, but also reap the benefits of increased morale, loyalty, innovation, productivity and profits.
- Implement a Stress Management Policy
- Attend a Mental Wellbeing course – this will help provide you with guidance and techniques to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace.
For more information, and to discuss anything you’re read, contact NDML today on 0344 488 9205.