Work expert Acas has today launched its first guide tackling the last taboo in business – mental illness at work.
It is a fast-growing problem, particularly with workers becoming increasingly concerned about their futures in the economic downturn, and costs employers in the South West an estimated £2.5bn a year in lost production and replacing staff who leave because of mental ill-health. Across Britain the cost is £30bn.
Mental health experts say that at any one time one worker in six will be experiencing depression, anxiety or stress problems – but they calculate that Bath should be able to reduce this by about a third by improving their management of mental health at work.
Acas, which has more than 30 years’ experience at the forefront of developing and improving working life, has produced the new guide with Devon Partnership NHS Trust agency Workways, which specialises in advising on dealing with mental ill-health in the workplace through its Mindful Employer initiative.
Acas South West director Tony Cooper, who played an influential part in initiating the new guide, said: “The stumbling block at the moment is that many employers and managers shy away from dealing with mental illness at work because it can be hard to pin down and it is a very sensitive matter to deal with. People often won’t talk about mental illness because they think it is something disturbing that it is easier to avoid.
“Going forward we all need to develop a new way of looking at mental health and break down the taboo. There needs to be a willingness to discuss mental health and a culture where employers understand it and try to help their employees recover from mental illness.
“Our mental well-being is as much a part of health as our physical health. And we need to take into consideration that one in four of the population will suffer a mental health problem at some point in their lives.”
Acas is offering training in Bristol on May 2 and Swindon on June 16 for employers and managers with a step-by-step guide which shows them how to:
- Spot early the signs of mental ill-health;
- Raise awareness of mental health issues among managers and staff;
- Develop a culture where an employee feels comfortable disclosing their condition;
- Approach an employee who may have a mental health condition;
- Try to help employees cope with it or overcome it so they can work effectively again.
The guide also explains how to be aware of patterns of behaviour, build a rapport with an employee, talk to them in a range of scenarios, and what practical steps can be taken.
Go to the Acas guide for more details on Acas’ website, including practical tips for employers, and training for details of courses in the South West and how to book a place on them.
