Workplace Mental Health Stigma Lifting

The workplace stigma around mental health appears to be lifting with almost half of employers saying they’ve witnessed people talking more about their mental health, says a survey from Peninsula Group, a global employment advisory and consultancy firm. However, while more people may be talking about mental health at work, only 12 per cent of employees have confided in their bosses and one in seven of those say that nothing was done about their issue. The survey also says 25 per cent of employers have noticed an increase in sick leave due to mental health, but, despite that, only 10 per cent of businesses offer mental health days to employees. And, while 94 per cent of employers say they’re available to help staff who are struggling with mental health concerns, the data suggests that the support being offered by employers doesn’t match up with what employees want or need. Two-thirds of employers say they are confident their employees would talk to them and disclose mental health concerns, but less than 10 per cent of bosses are comfortable discussing their own personal mental health. Interestingly, Canadian employers are more likely to offer mental health days in addition to personal leave entitlement than any other country surveyed. Twenty-three per cent already offer them with another 15 per cent planning to introduce them within the next 12 months.