The theme for 2017 is ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’.

Poor mental health is one of the biggest issues in the workplace today causing over 70 million working days to be lost each year.

• 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination.
• One in 5 people take a day off work due to stress. • A quarter of people considering resigning due to stress.
• 56% of UK adults said they would not employ someone with depression, even if they were the best candidate
for the job.
• 67% of employees feel scared, embarrassed or unable to talk about mental health concerns with their employer.
• 37% of men are feeling worried or low, yet their wives, partners and friends may have no idea.

Worrying statistics, yet there is so much we can do.

The stigma of mental health stops people talking and acknowledging their difficulties with colleagues, and especially with their managers. Fear of being sacked, ridiculed and avoided are some of the reasons why people suffer in silence and alone.

Creating a culture in the workplace, where mental health is discussed, accepted and supported is invaluable. It enables early identification and a safe

and supportive environment in which to recover and regain good health.

Open and honest communication can positively enable employees to share concerns and feel more involved in workplace decisions and changes that impact them, thereby reducing the stress caused by change and conflict.

Empathy, understanding and respect rather than criticism, judgements and presumptions create a place where employees feel they will be accepted and listened to.

For more information and excellent resources visit World Mental Health Day

For details of how we can help with in-house staff massage days, or mental awareness sessions and specialist counselling, email Diane – diane@thetherapycompany.co.uk

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

× WhatsApp Us