Employers sign up to mental health at work framework

Thirty major businesses and organisations have signed up to a new commitment to tackle mental well being in the workplace.

The Mental Health At Work Commitment is a collaboration between UK businesses and organisations and mental health charities and non-governmental organisations. It aims to encourage employers of all sizes to join the movement and improve standards of mental health care among the workforce at a national scale.

Developed with the knowledge and expertise of mental health charities, leading employers and trade organisations, the Commitment provides a framework for employers who recognise the importance of promoting staff well being.   It sets out six standards based on what best practice has shown is needed to make a difference and better equip employers to create an environment where employees can thrive.

Those who have signed up so far span multiple sectors including banking, utilities, FMCG, retail and professional services. They are joined by trade bodies including the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors as well as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports.

The recent Mental Health at Work YouGov survey conducted for Business in the Community (BITC) and Mercer Marsh Benefits shows only half of respondents say they feel comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace, and two in five (39%) say they have experienced a work-related mental health issue in the last year.

The Commitment is supported by a one-stop-shop for resources to help employers get started, share experiences and signpost further areas of support.

Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind and co-author of the Thriving at Work review, said: “It’s great to see so many employers take proactive steps towards creating mentally healthy workplaces by engaging with The Mental Health at Work Commitment. With issues like stress, anxiety and depression common across all employers, regardless of size or sector, we want to see every employer recognise and address any work-related causes of poor mental health among their staff. The Commitment comes with resources available to help employers prevent poor mental health and promote well being. Smart, responsible employers recognise that staff who feel valued and supported tend to be more productive and are less likely to take time off sick or leave the organisation.”

Employers wanting join the commitment can find out more at www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/commitment

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