Mental health in the workplace
11 October 2017
World Mental Health day took place this week with the theme focusing on mental health in the workplace. Acas has published new guidance to help employers.
The Government's Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience mental ill health at some point in our lives.
People that feel good about themselves often work productively, interact well with colleagues and make a valuable contribution to the workplace.
A recent CIPD study highlighted the impact that mental ill health can have on organisations. The study found that:
- 37% of sufferers are more likely to get into conflict with colleagues
- 57% find it harder to juggle multiple tasks
- 80% find it difficult to concentrate
- 62% take longer to do tasks
- 50% are potentially less patient with customers/clients.
The study also found that, for the first time, stress is the major cause of long-term absence in manual and non-manual workers.
It is clear to see why it is important that employers and their staff take steps to promote positive mental health and support those experiencing mental ill health.
Visit Acas’ website where you will find an abundance of free guidance, e-learning modules, case studies and details of where to go for further support with mental health issues in the workplace.