In a worrying new study, nearly two thirds of employees who suffer from depression say they don’t feel supported in the workplace.
Despite HR professionals’ best intentions, the vast majority of workers who suffer from depression say they don’t feel supported by their employers.
The disconcerting new study, published by jobsite CV Library, found that 70 per cent of employees with depression don’t feel supported while 73 per cent believe there is a negative stigma around depression in the workplace.
The survey also revealed that 74 per cent wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to their manager about their issues while 64 per cent wouldn’t give ‘depression’ as the reason for calling in sick.
“A huge proportion of the nation’s professionals are suffering with mental health issues, and it’s concerning to see that attitudes aren’t changing as quickly as they should be,” said Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV Library.
Louise Bradley, president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission, told HRM that workplaces have come on leaps and bounds in regards to supporting employers but stigma still plays a huge role.
“We’ve made a great deal of progress but we’ve still a way to go,” she said. “The progress that we’ve made is great but we will have a struggle on our hands because the whole issue of stigma is something that is quite germane to talking about workplace mental health.
“After over 30 years being in the mental health field, I know that every single one of us has a personal story – whether it’s about ourselves or someone we know – but we’re still very reluctant to talk about mental health issues and illness,” she continued.
According to CV Library’s research, the top solutions to support employees with depression are:
1. Flexible working opportunities – 23 per cent
2. More support from management – 21 per cent
3. Affirmation of job security – 13 per cent
4. Reduced workloads – 9 per cent
5. Access to counselling services – 9 per cent
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The disconcerting new study, published by jobsite CV Library, found that 70 per cent of employees with depression don’t feel supported while 73 per cent believe there is a negative stigma around depression in the workplace.
The survey also revealed that 74 per cent wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to their manager about their issues while 64 per cent wouldn’t give ‘depression’ as the reason for calling in sick.
“A huge proportion of the nation’s professionals are suffering with mental health issues, and it’s concerning to see that attitudes aren’t changing as quickly as they should be,” said Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV Library.
Louise Bradley, president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission, told HRM that workplaces have come on leaps and bounds in regards to supporting employers but stigma still plays a huge role.
“We’ve made a great deal of progress but we’ve still a way to go,” she said. “The progress that we’ve made is great but we will have a struggle on our hands because the whole issue of stigma is something that is quite germane to talking about workplace mental health.
“After over 30 years being in the mental health field, I know that every single one of us has a personal story – whether it’s about ourselves or someone we know – but we’re still very reluctant to talk about mental health issues and illness,” she continued.
According to CV Library’s research, the top solutions to support employees with depression are:
1. Flexible working opportunities – 23 per cent
2. More support from management – 21 per cent
3. Affirmation of job security – 13 per cent
4. Reduced workloads – 9 per cent
5. Access to counselling services – 9 per cent
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