Mental Health in the Workplace
It is estimated that one in four of us will experience mental health difficulties at some point during our lives. Mental health problems are common and can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity or social group. Examples of the most prevalent mental health difficulties facing people of working age include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bi-polar affective disorder (manic depression)
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD)
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) protects people with disabilities – including those with ‘unseen’ disabilities such as mental illness – from unlawful discrimination. As such, consideration should be given to reasonable adjustments that might be made to support staff with mental health difficulties in the workplace. Any adjustments should be made in collaboration with the disabled person, as they are best placed to know what might work for them, although ultimately the decision as to what can be realistically provided rests with managers. People with mental health difficulties are not all the same, and so adjustments required will vary from person to person.
Many people are able to control their conditions with medication or other therapeutic interventions. However, the stigma that is attached to mental illness can add greatly to the distress and isolation felt by those affected, and it can also stop them from asking for help.The Equality and Diversity webpages on Staff Well-Being Policy and Guidelines contain relevant and useful information.
Mental Health in the Workplace Leaflet (PDF 494 KB)