Mental health
Did you know that three in ten employees will experience mental ill health at some point in any year?
Are you aware that across the UK economy, mental health problems account for the loss of over 91 million working days each year?
It's highly likely that as an employer, at least one member of your staff may at some point have a long or short term mental health problem.
Despite this, people with mental health problems have the worst employment record of any group of disabled people - just 21% have jobs.
What are 'mental health' problems?
Mental health problems include:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Phobic anxiety disorders - for example agoraphobia or claustrophobia.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Bi-polar affective disorder.
- Schizophrenia.
- Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders.
Seventy per cent of people with mental health problems have been put off applying for jobs for fear of unfair treatment.
However, by taking a positive approach to employing and retaining people with mental health issues you will create better working conditions for everyone and be more likely to recruit and retain the best people. This will also lead to decreased number of absences and improved relations within your organisation and is likely to contribute to higher levels of motivation and productivity among staff.
We have signed the Mindful Employer charter to show our own commitment to recruiting and retaining staff with mental health conditions.