80% of employees think they’ve noticed an increase in mental illness
Concern is rising for the mental health of employees, as more and more HR leaders begin to appreciate psychological wellbeing as a health and safety issue.
A recent report from Personal Group found that three quarters of employees don’t believe their workplace is doing enough to support their mental health.
Thirty-nine percent of those interviewed said that their employers doesn’t offer any support for employees, with 66% claiming their managers don’t give enough.
“It is surprising, not to mention a real shame, that such a large number of employees still feel there isn’t enough mental health support available in the workplace, especially surprising as the topic has significantly increased in awareness in recent years,” added Rebekah Tapping, group HRD at Personal Group.
“It is more important than ever that business leaders and decision makers break the culture of stigma and silence around mental health and start making it a management priority and ensuring that a range of support is available for those who need it."
Despite the lack of support, 80% of employees think they’ve noticed an increase in mental illness – yet staggeringly, 62% of employees have noticed no change in awareness levels in their offices.
So, how can HR leaders fight against this backslide? Well, according to employees, 58% would like to see more mental health training in the workplace – with 64% of workers saying they’d be able to help if they saw a colleague suffering.
Speaking of mental health awareness, HRD Canada recently spoke with WSPS on why your mental health strategy should be classed as a health and safety issue. Read the insightful interview here.
