It’s shocking to read BiTC’s report on mental health in the workplace 2017 – link below. The feature photo shows two startling facts BiTC’s report has uncovered.
https://wellbeing.bitc.org.uk/all-resources/research-articles/mental-health-work-report-2017
Have we learnt so little? For employers there is a huge positive hit to their bottom line when they address mental health in their business but raising awareness and delivering training. As a Mental Health First Aid Instructor I know businesses are doing more. Let’s consider some stats from MHFAEngland:
- 31% of staff said they would leave their current job if stress levels didn’t decrease in the coming year
- 70 million sick days are lost to mental health costing UK plc £70-£100bn
- Presentism – underperforming at work due to mental health issues costs £15.1bn to UK plc
- Awareness, training and openness on mental health in the workplace decreases the risk of being sued
- Legal obligation – mental health issues including self-harm are protected under 2010 Equality Act.
We have evidence that suicide is thankfully reducing even though it’s a slight reduction. The ratio remains three times more men than women complete suicide, Clearly there is a lot more work to be done for both business and us individuals.
Can hearts and minds be changed quickly enough?