Less than one in two employees are confident that managers would be able to spot mental health problems at work, according to new research from the charity Mind.
The charity’s third annual Workplace Wellbeing Index highlights the need for managers to take a central role in promoting and supporting good mental health in the workplace.
The research found that while a majority of managers (66 per cent) were confident “promoting wellbeing” a significant number said they wanted additional support on this issue.
Just two in five (41 per cent) of the 15,500 managers surveyed said their employer contributed to their skills to support an employee experiencing poor mental health.
The survey – which involved over 100 organisations – also found just over half of employees (56 per cent) said their organisation supports their mental health. It also found that a similar percentage of employees (51 per cent) felt the culture at their organisation makes it possible to speak openly about experiencing poor mental health.
Mind says that while this data was encouraging there was more that employers could do to support mental health initiatives, particularly given how widespread these problems area.
The data revealed that mental health problems are common among staff – more than seven in 10 employees (71 per cent) have experienced mental health problems in their lives, while over one in two (53 per cent) employees are affected by poor mental health in their current workplace.
Mind head of workplace wellbeing Emma Mamo says: “With mental health problems so common among employees, it’s important that every workplace – no matter the size – makes staff wellbeing a priority.
“It’s also vital that employers make sure managers know how to spot and support colleagues who might be struggling with issues like stress, anxiety or depression.
“Thankfully, mental health at work is becoming a key priority for many organisations. But there’s still a way to go when it comes to creating a culture where staff feel able to be completely open about their mental health in every workplace.”