ACCORDING to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the number of employees speaking up about mental health problems is on the rise, with more than two fifths of employers saying they saw an increase in cases reported by staff of conditions such as depression and anxiety.
These findings are welcomed by Northern Ireland depression and mental health charity, Aware (formerly Aware Defeat Depression) who has long championed the need to break down the stigma associated with discussing mental health.
Aware’s chief executive Siobhan Doherty said: “The direct and indirect costs associated with mental ill health are immense and estimates suggest that the total cost to thelocal economy is £2.8bn per year. Financial implications aside, workplace depression and anxiety can be crippling for the employee and affect every aspect of their life. Being happy and motivated in the workplace allows employees to become successful, especially if they are able to manage stress levels, remain objective and be responsive rather than reactive.”
On the back of the research, employers need to realise the importance of recognising when staff are showing symptoms of depression and Aware is encouraging them to act on their concerns.
Ms Doherty continued: “Recognising an employee has a problem with mental health, knowing how to deal with it and then welcoming the person back to work are all key areas in developing mentally friendly workplaces.
“At Aware we offer a range of programmes that staff can undertake either in the workplace, or in their own time. These include our Mood Matters Workplace Programme which raises awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health. Our Living Life to the Full and Mindfulness Programmes are also something that employers could consider implementing in the workplace or they can direct employees to courses, which run throughout Northern Ireland. Additionally employers can talk to us about our Health for Happiness initiative which can easily be delivered in the workplace.”