One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health issue at some point. While most conditions are mild and treatable, anxiety and depression are particularly common and can arise from both personal and work-related challenges.
Whether work is causing the health issue or aggravating it, employers have a legal responsibility to help their employees.
Like any other safety or health hazard at work, work-related mental health issues must be assessed to measure the levels of risk to staff. Where a risk is identified, steps must be taken to remove it or reduce it as far as reasonably practicable.
How to help
In 2017, the government commissioned Lord Stevenson and Paul Farmer (Chief Executive of Mind) to review how employers could better support mental health in the workplace. Their ‘Thriving at Work’ report introduced a framework of ‘Core Standards’ that all employers should implement.
These include:
- developing a mental health at work plan
- raising awareness
- promoting open conversations
- providing good working conditions
- supporting effective people management
- routinely monitoring staff wellbeing
Employers can also use the Stress Indicator Tool to start conversations about stress at work, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that workplace conditions do not exacerbate mental health.
Duty holders have a responsibility to protect workers, proactively support wellbeing, and mitigate risks to ensure all workers can thrive.
Book a demonstration with our products team to learn more.
