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Mental health is costing UK businesses £30bn annually - it's time to shake off the taboo and help those who suffer

 

A new report by Acas has revealed that mental health problems among professionals in the UK are costing the country’s businesses, and as a consequence its economy around £30 billion annually.

The report states that approximately one in six of all employees struggle with stress and anxiety, a figure likely to continue to grow in the coming months as Britain’s weak economic situation adds pressure.

A result of this is that sick leave taken due to mental health problems is costing companies billions of pounds each year. Acas claim that this figure can be drastically improved by bettering their management of mental health in the workplace.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Blackdogtribe.com is calling on employers to open the doors to communication, and encourage discussion to help raise awareness about depression and mental health at work.

Black Dog Tribe’s resident expert, Dr Tim Anstiss, said: “Depression in the workplace is an important issue which often goes unnoticed by management teams. There is a general lack of awareness within companies, small and large, on how to address depression and mental health at work.  It is still frequently seen as an ‘off-limits’ subject.  Opening channels to discussion can help reduce feelings of anguish, isolation and anxiety caused by depression.  Social sites like www.blackdogtribe.com can make all the difference.”

Have you got experience with mental health problems in the workplace, either as an employee or employer? We’d like to hear from you.

biggestjourney wrote on 09 | 26 | 2012
On top of absenteeism, a great cause for concern is 'presenteeism' Many employees don't feel able to ask for help with stress and anxiety in the work place, especially with the economy in the state it's in and many jobs being insecure. As a result, they stay at work, but are unproductive due to their state of wellbeing. There's plenty of research to suggest that companies who treat their employees well, are open to discussing issues such as stress, and create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, have a much more productive workforce. So much work needs to be done to ensure that employers understand this and help can be provided to suggest ways to improve on 'wellbeing at work'
O'Brien wrote on 05 | 29 | 2012
Companies need to care more about how their employees are feeling and make sure that they get proper breaks at work so they do not get stressed. In my last job, the management could not be bothered to say good morning.