Small to medium businesses uncertain about employees talking about mental health concerns, international poll reveals
In a survey of UK employers, one in seven reported experiencing poor mental health over the past year. Despite increased open discussions about mental health at work and a focus on work-life balance, many employers lack confidence in employees disclosing mental health concerns. This is due to persistent stigma, fear of discrimination, and concerns about job performance or liability [1][2][3].
Employers in New Zealand are most likely to take time off due to mental ill health, while UK and Irish employers are least likely. However, Canadian employers are the most likely to offer mental health days in addition to personal leave entitlement [1].
Interestingly, around 1 in 10 workplaces globally plan to introduce mental health first aiders within the next 12 months. A significant 69% of employers surveyed have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in place [1].
Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO at HA Wisdom Wellbeing, notes that while 55% of leaders have noticed more open discussions about mental health at work over the last 12 months, 48% have observed employees prioritizing work-life balance. He wonders if the measures being put in place by employers to help manage mental health in the workplace are being embedded into workplaces or just a tick-box exercise [2].
Stigma and discrimination fears are a key factor deterring employees from disclosing their mental health issues. A case where an employee felt disrespected after disclosure, prompting her to quit, underscores this point [2]. Confidentiality and trust issues also play a significant role, with concerns about confidentiality breaches and public disclosure within workplaces potentially undermining trust [2][1].
Generational differences in communication also pose a challenge. Younger employees (Gen Z, Millennials) are more likely to verbally express their mental health needs, while older generations (Gen X, Baby Boomers) tend to hold back, possibly due to fear of stigma or not wanting to appear vulnerable [3].
Employers may lack the training or resources to manage mental health disclosures effectively, leading to uncertainty or insufficient support despite increasing expectations to lead mental health initiatives [3][2].
Alan Price, Chief Operations Officer at Peninsula Group, stated that employers have a duty of care to safeguard the wellbeing of their people. The survey was conducted across 79,000 businesses in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK [1].
However, worryingly, 51% of respondents have no plans to introduce support measures such as mental health training, EAPs, or mental health first aiders to their workplace in the next twelve months [1]. Some employees continue to perpetuate the stigma around mental health, with comments like "Mental health has become a bit of an excuse" and "Obsessing over mental health creates insecurity, fearfulness, and is also emasculating" [2].
As we move forward, it remains to be seen what impact this lack of planned support measures will have. The UK is leading the way when it comes to mental health support in the workplace, but there is still much work to be done to address the cultural, legal, and practical barriers that limit employers’ confidence in and ability to support mental health disclosures fully [1][2][3].
[1] Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO at HA Wisdom Wellbeing, interview with HR Magazine, 2021. [2] Anonymous employee interview, 2021. [3] Alan Price, Chief Operations Officer at Peninsula Group, interview with HR Review, 2021.
Workplaces in the UK could enhance mental health and wellness by addressing the lingering stigma and lack of confidence in employee disclosures. This could be achieved through increased training and resources for managers to handle mental health disclosures effectively.
The global trend of integrating mental health first aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) in workplaces over the next 12 months is promising, as it may help break down barriers and foster a culture of support for mental health and wellness.
