Improving mental health in the workplace
Friends Provident has partnered with Mind to produce a guide for employers aimed at exploding some of the myths that continue to cloud understanding of mental health in today's workplace.
The new guide produced by leading mental health charity, Mind, is designed to help employers understand the nature of mental health problems and includes guidance on how to encourage a mentally healthy working environment.
The partnership with Mind is part of Friends Provident's ongoing commitment to help companies reduce absence in the workplace, following the recent launch of its employee assistance programme. With mental health problems accounting for 29% of all group income protection claims paid out by Friends Provident in 2009, the provider is urging employers to consider how best to address this long-term cause of absence.
A report from the CIPD shows one in five employers reported an increase in mental health problems amongst their employees (including anxiety and depression) in the last 12 months, indicating the growing incidence of this condition in light of the current economic environment.
Declan White, group protection marketing manager, Friends Provident comments: "It's no secret that growing numbers of us will experience mental health problems in our lifetime. But despite the increased awareness, many employers are still in the dark about how best to support staff to help them either remain in or return to work following any mental health problems. The guide from MIND offers insightful hints and tips for employers and is a must-have for all employers."
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind adds: "Mental health problems in the workplace are very common, yet despite the fact that 1 in 6 people of working age will have some kind of mental health issue, few employers have a mental health policy or know how to support staff to stay in work successfully when they're going through a rough patch. Badly managed mental distress costs British business an estimated £26 billion a year, a figure which could be reduced by a third with better mental health and wellbeing support for staff.
"As part of our mentally healthy workplaces campaign, Taking care of business, Mind was keen to team up with Friends Provident to offer businesses a practical guide on how to look after mental health at work, that can help businesses not only create a healthier and happier workforce, but ultimately save money and improve working lives."