Working environments affecting mental health

38% of UK workers say their regular working environment is having a negative effect on their mental wellbeing, while half think their workplace doesn’t do enough to look after their needs.

These figures come from new research by Health Insurance Company Westfield Health, who surveyed 1,825 UK employees. It was conducted to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place between 16th and 22nd May.

Key findings of the research

• 60% of respondents admitted that mental health issues affect their day-to-day life
• 50% said they had been affected by issues in the past but didn’t take time off work as a consequence
• 40% reported mental health issues arising due to physical ailments

Employers and employees should share responsibility

When it came to the topic of who should be responsible for mental health management and mindfulness in the workplace, 63% of respondents wanted employers and employees to work together to play an active part.

Dave Capper, executive director at Westfield Health, said the findings reveal that employers are facing a “mental health iceberg”, because only a small number of issues are being recognised and appropriately managed.

He added: “although we’re seeing improvements in mental health provision in general, it seems workplaces are lagging behind, and gaps need to be addressed.”

Look after your employees

Hiring people with knowledge of benefits packages, such as cycle-to-work, could have a positive effect on the mental wellbeing of your staff.

Our team of recruitment consultants will help you find skilled HR professionals who can make a real difference to your HR department. Give us a call on 020 7650 3190 to speak to a member of the Portfolio team.