Mental Health In The Workplace

By Claire Rolston, Solicitor, Director, CLR Law

Impact of Mental Ill Health

Estimates vary as to how widespread poor mental health is; however, it is likely to affect at least 1 in 4 of us at some point. Inevitably, this could have an impact on the workplace in terms of poor performance, attendance and even morale.

Identifying Mental Ill Health

Not all employees are comfortable disclosing information about mental ill health. So how will you spot it?

An employee is more likely to be forthcoming about mental health difficulties if there is a positive culture around mental health. If the employee does not confide in a manager before problems arise then informal discussions to identify the causes of poor performance and return to work meetings after every absence, provided they are conducted in a supportive and constructive way, will provide an opportunity for any health issues to be discussed. Obviously, where the ill health leads to long-term absence, then the GP note should detail the cause.

What can I do if an employee has poor mental health?

There are many types of mental ill health from an employee experiencing stress to more serious conditions such as clinical depression and bipolar disorder. As such, your approach will depend on the type of illness and how, if at all, the workplace is contributing to it. Obtaining information from the employee, their GP or specialist or an occupational health adviser might be necessary.

In addition, where an employee’s mental health amounts to a disability, then the employer is under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to remove any disadvantage experienced by the employee due to their disability, such as allowing flexible working or changing the employee’s role.

ACAS guidance

ACAS has also recently issued guidance on promoting positive mental health and advocates drawing up a mental health policy, having mental health champions and publicising the organisation’s commitment to promoting positive mental health.

Given its prevalence in society, a positive approach and culture will help support employees experiencing mental ill health, improve performance and prevent absence which in turn will make for an altogether happier workplace and decrease the likelihood of tribunal claims.