How to tackle mental illness in the workplace (FREE whitepaper)
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Mental ill health stigma prevents early intervention
In recent years progress has been made to reduce the stigma of mental ill health in the workplace but there is still much to do, especially when lack of openness around mental ill health may be preventing employees from getting the help they need when they need it.
On such a sensitive issue, employers must continue to find ways to break down this stigma and create an environment in which employees can discuss and access support for issues such as stress, anxiety and depression without fear, shame or prejudice.
Tackling the stigma of mental ill health
Building on the learnings of AXA PPP healthcare hosted roundtables¹ and research into employer and employee experiences and views of workplace health and wellbeing², 'Starting the conversation' focuses on tackling the stigma of mental ill health in the workplace.
It considers how employers can help employees experiencing stress, anxiety and depression to feel confident to engage with their employer and seek support to help them deal with their situation.
James Freeston, Marketing Director at AXA PPP healthcare, said “Most of us have seen articles on the impact that mental ill health issues have on our workforce, and the knock-on effect on productivity. But in the past we perhaps haven’t focused on the specific danger of stigmatising mental health issues. That stigma can harm both an individual’s wellbeing and their organisation as a whole. We encourage all large businesses to consider the points put forward here, to help lift the stigma surrounding mental illness.”
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1) In March 2015 AXA PPP healthcare hosted a roundtable discussion with representatives from a range of organisations to ask ‘How can businesses help lift the stigma around mental health at work?’. Chaired by Professor Stephen Bevan, Director of the Work Foundation’s Centre for Workforce Effectiveness and attendees included Dr Mark Winwood, AXA PPP healthcare’s Director of Psychological Services.
2) Research conducted on behalf of AXA PPP healthcare in February 2015; among 151 senior managers and 419 non-executive employees working at large businesses in the UK.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, AXA Health
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