How can we overcome mental health issues in the workforce?
Today marks World Mental Health Day, and employers worldwide are being urged to break the "culture of silence" over mental health issues.
A survey published by insurance firm Friends Life this week showed that stress and depression are not only prevalent in business environments, but also attached to a sense of stigma.
Responses to the survey came from a variety of industries, with 40% of respondents saying they had experienced mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression, but had not felt comfortable telling their employers.
Over half of respondents felt that being open about a mental health problem would damage their career prospects.
Group chief executive of Friends Life Andy Briggs commented: "These statistics paint a worrying picture of a culture of silence when it comes to mental health. Our research shows that there is still much to be done in tackling mental health issues in the workplace."
Armin Falk discusses how the workplace environment can affect employee motivation. He finds that treating employees with respect, fairness, and trust can greatly improve employee wellbeing and productivity.
Failure to support people with mental illnesses also threatens to bring wider economic burdens. In the UK, these problems can cost the economy up to £100bn a year in lost working days or benefits.
Furthermore, as Daniel S. Hamermesh writes, increased labor costs can cut company profits, and reduce employment and growth.
This topic took center-stage at the UK’s Liberal Democrat party conference this week. Party leader Nick Clegg revealed his proposal to spend £120m over two years to reduce waiting times for people looking for mental health treatment.
Improving access to medical support should reduce a sense of stigma and encourage people to benefit from professional help earlier.
On World Mental Health Day, it is hoped that additional campaigning will continue to boost awareness and support.
Read more here.
Related article:
Fairness and motivation, by Armin Falk
Do labor costs affect companies’ demand for labor, by Daniel S. Hamermesh