The potential impact of mental ill health in the workplace
Take a look at some of the stats showing what effect mental ill health can have in the workplace. The government has also issued 6 quick tips to help improve the mental health of our nation’s workforce.
A staggering 89 percent of employees feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health with their managers, according to a report from Business in the Community.
That figure is especially troubling, as approximately 1 in 4 people in the United Kingdom experience a mental health problem each year, according to the NHS. This costs UK employers between £33 billion and £42 billion each year, according to Deloitte.
The negative impact of mental ill health in the workplace:
37% of individuals who deal with mental ill health are more likely to get into conflicts with colleagues
57% find it difficult to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities
80% find it difficult to concentrate
80% take longer to complete a task
Given the prevalence of mental health conditions and their profound effect on the workplace, the government suggests employers follow these six ‘mental health core standards’:
- Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work plan and include programmes that you will implement to achieve this goal.
- Develop mental health awareness among employees.
- Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available when employees are struggling.
- Provide employees with good working conditions and ensure they have a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for development.
- Promote effective people management through line managers and supervisors.
- Routinely monitor employee mental health and well-being