Almost nine in 10 (88%) employers believe their organisation is expected to do more than ever to help employees experiencing poor mental health stay in work, according to Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA).
The research comes as the government starts to implement recommendations from the Keep Britain Working review.
One of the conclusions of the review was that ill health is the most significant driver of economic inactivity in the UK, collectively costing companies an estimated £85bn a year.
The latest update of the review in September, called for a move towards earlier intervention, helping people to remain healthy and, therefore, keeping them in work.
MHFA England’s research, however, suggests that employers need greater support to achieve this.
In the past year, a third of the employers surveyed have seen an employee take a long-term absence due to poor mental health, while a quarter have seen an employee leave.
However, where employers have experienced this, almost three quarters (74%) believe more effective workplace support could have helped affected employees stay in their role.
Just over a third (37%) of employers say they have a comprehensive approach to mental health provision for their employees.
Almost nine in 10 (86%) employers believe a clear set of workplace mental health first aid standards would help their organisation to develop a more consistent approach.
In response, MHFA England is launching workplace mental health first aid standards, giving employers an evidence-based framework for what good mental health first aid provision looks like.
Morgan Sindall, WHSmith, and Simplyhealth have pledged their support for the standards.
Growth opportunity
MHFA England chief executive Sarah McIntosh pointed out that the latest Keep Britain Working update identifies tackling workplace health as a major growth opportunity for the UK.
“Too often, support for employees experiencing poor mental health comes only after someone has reached crisis point or left work.
“Creating psychologically safe workplaces where people can talk openly about their mental health, without fear of stigma, is essential if we are to improve retention, narrow participation gaps, and help more people and businesses thrive.”
She added that employers have a vital role to play in early intervention.
“Good mental health support can be the difference between someone staying in or falling out of work, but it’s clear from our latest research that many need clearer guidance on what good support looks like.
“Let’s make early, consistent mental health support part of working life.”
