Employees still scared to tell bosses about mental health issues

Research put together by CV-Library has found that 64.2 per cent of workers would be worried that their employer would judge them if they spoke about mental health issues. Some 46.8 per cent were worried they would look weak and 36.7 per cent had concerns that they would be fired.

In addition, 31.7 per cent of professionals believe that their workplace is not supportive of mental health. In fact, 77.8 per cent believe that the majority of workplaces in the UK are unsupportive.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “Mental health in the workplace continues to be a hot topic, and this is because it is clearly not being dealt with effectively. We are a nation that is under more pressure than ever before and it’s therefore unsurprising that people will be feeling the effects whilst at work.

“Businesses should prioritise creating a culture where openness and honesty are encouraged. In turn, this will ensure that workers feel comfortable confiding in their boss, making coming to work that little bit less stressful.”

When asked what employers could do to improve mental health in the workplace, respondents cited the following: promote a healthy work/life balance (38.6 per cent); create an environment where mental health is not stigmatised (15 per cent); refer employees to a counselling service (13.7 per cent); talk more openly about mental health (11.9 per cent); and allow employees to take time out when they need to (8.6 per cent).

The majority (83.6 per cent) said that they think employers should offer “mental health days”, and 78 per cent said they would be keener to work for a company that offered this.

For more information to help support the health and wellbeing of your employees please visit: https://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/small-business/advice/

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