Mental health in the workplace is a growing concern. In a recent study, 1 in 5 employees said they have experienced a mental health issue in the past year.
A recent study found that one in four people suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder in any given year. Of those, only one in five will receive treatment. When left untreated, mental health disorders can have a significant negative impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to function at work.
Mental health in the workplace
Mental health in the workplace is a topic that is often overlooked. However, it is an important issue that should be addressed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffers from a mental illness. This means that mental health is a prevalent issue that needs to be discussed.
There are many reasons why mental health in the workplace is such an important issue. For one, mental health can have a significant impact on productivity. Employees who are struggling with their mental health are more likely to experience absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower job satisfaction.
Additionally, mental health issues can also lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety, which can impact an individual’s ability to perform their job duties effectively.
Fortunately, there are steps that employers can take to address mental health in the workplace.
The law: your mental health rights at work
As an employee, you have certain rights afforded to you by law. It is important to know what these rights are in order to protect yourself in the workplace.
The first and most basic right you have is the right to a safe and healthy work environment. Your employer is required by law to provide you with a workplace that is free from dangerous conditions and hazards.
You also have the right to be treated fairly and equally in the workplace. This includes being paid equally for equal work, regardless of gender or race. It also means that you cannot be discriminated against based on these characteristics, or any other protected characteristic under the law.
Getting support from your employer
When it comes to getting support from your employer, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be clear and concise about what you need from your employer. Whether it’s more flexible hours, additional resources, or simply a better understanding of your job duties, it’s important to communicate your needs early and often.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your employer is there to support you, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unclear about something, reach out and ask for assistance.
Finally, remember that your employer is human too. They may not always be able to give you exactly what you want or need, but they will appreciate your efforts in trying to improve your work-life balance.
Taking time off for mental health
In today's society, it is more important than ever to take time off for mental health. With the high-pressure lifestyles that many people lead, it is easy to get overwhelmed and bogged down by everyday stressors. Taking even a few days off to relax and rejuvenate can make a world of difference in your mental well-being.
There are a number of ways to take time off for mental health. You can take a vacation, stay home from work or school, or even just spend some time outdoors in nature. It is important to find an activity that helps you relax and forget about your every day worries. For some people, this may be reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family.
Whatever you do, make sure that you are taking care of yourself both mentally and physically.
Returning to work after time off
It can be difficult to return to work after taking time off for mental health reasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind that may help make the transition smoother.
First, be honest with your employer about why you were out and how you’re feeling. It’s important to set realistic expectations about what you can handle and what accommodations you may need.
Second, take things one day at a time. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Ease back into your workload gradually and give yourself time to adjust.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or support if you need it. There are many resources available to employees who are dealing with mental health issues. Employers should also be supportive and understanding – remember that you’re not alone in this.
Mental health in the workplace statistics
Here are some mental health in the workplace statistics:
One in six people in Britain experience symptoms of mental illness at any given time. [1]
50% of employees experience at least one symptom of burnout due to increased job demands, lack of social interaction, and blurring of work/life boundaries. [2]
Despite not being physically or mentally fit to do their jobs, nearly half of employees (46%) say they've been working in recent months. [3]
Employers could get back £5.30 in reduced absence, presentees, and employee turnover for every £1 invested on mental health services. [2]
Better mental health services in the workplace can save UK companies up to £8 billion a year. [4]
Promoting employee wellbeing through personalised information and advice, risk assessment questionnaires, seminars, workshops, and web-based materials will cost an estimated £80 per employee per year. For a company with 500 employees, where all employees undergo the intervention, the initial investment is estimated at £40,000 with a net return of £347,722 in savings due to reduced presenteeism and absenteeism. [5]
Every year, mental health services in the United Kingdom cost employers about £56 billion. [2]
55% of respondents in the CIPD's top work index survey said work had contributed to depression in the last 12 months, but only 36% discussed it with their boss or employer. [3]
Conclusion: improving mental health in the workplace
Improving mental health in the workplace is important for many reasons.
It can improve employee productivity, morale, and retention rates. It can also reduce the costs of absenteeism, presenteeism, and workers’ compensation claims.
In conclusion, employers should create a mentally healthy workplace by implementing policies and programs that support employees’ mental health.
- https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/10-workplace-mental-health-statistics-2022/
- https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/consultancy/deloitte-uk-mental-health-report-2022.pdf
- https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/work/trends/goodwork
- https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/hjrn/
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215626/dh_126386.pdf