HR Magazine has published news that mental health problems are costing the UK economy £30 billion a year, due to lost productivity, absence and recruitment – this is according to ACAS, an organisation devoted to preventing and resolving employment disputes.
Some of these costs could be reduced though by improved management of employees’ mental health needs.
Mental health issues can equate to disability under the Equality Act 2010 if they last for over 12 months. Employers must avoid discrimination in such cases and should make arrangements for employees that do suffer from such issues.
There is a question of confidence here though – managers may find it tough to raise the subject and discuss it with employees.
Luckily HR Magazine also published some practical tips for approaching the issue.
Tom Phelan is an assistant editor at HRreview. Prior to this position, Tom was a staff writer at ITProPortal, where he travelled the globe in pursuit of the latest tech developments. He also writes for a variety of music blogs.