MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK - THE TRUE COST

Mental health in the workplace Such figures highlight just how important addressing mental health conditions is to the welfare of the country. 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year, yet many people with anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions still don’t have the confidence to be open about it, and seek the required professional help. How employers can help More companies are realising that it in their interest to support employees with mental health conditions, and create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about such issues. After all, ‘presenteeism,’ whereby people continue to work despite their illness, and are less productive as a result, is estimated to be 1.5 times costlier than absenteeism. Those who take time off to address their mental health are more beneficial to the company, yet it’s estimated that two-thirds of cases go untreated. Companies who take a holistic approach to mental illness, and actively encourage their employees to be open and honest about it, will have a happier and more productive workforce.