Business Benefits

Gaining important skills

The fact that people with mental health problems have to manage their own mental health in a hostile world means that they often have particular skills - such as problem solving, tenacity, diplomacy and creativity.

Reducing absence

Workplace stress is a major cause of absenteeism, and the links between mental health and stress are clear. Constructive and sensitive stress and mental health management can have a significant effect on absenteeism - and thus on the bottom line.

Creating better workplace relations

Awareness, communication and openness on mental health issues can have an important impact on creating a positive climate of understanding and support, and on overall workplace relations.

Enhancing productivity and motivation

Staff will feel valued and secure if their organisation demonstrates a commitment to their well-being. Better workplace relations are clearly linked to increased efficiency, effectiveness and, in turn, improved morale.

Employing the best person for the job

Skills shortages are a major issue for employers in competitive employment markets. Widening your pool of potential recruits as far as possible makes good business sense.

Retaining knowledge and skills

Once you've recruited the best person for the job, you need to make the most of your investment of time and resources in building their knowledge and skills.

Creating acceptance and diversity

Most progressive companies accept that aiming for a workforce which reflects the community in which you operate is a basic building block in building social responsibility.

Making your workplace more efficient

The process of thinking about making adjustments for employees with a mental health problem can generate helpful internal reviews, more flexible working patterns, and more effective workplace systems and procedures for employees as a whole.

Complying with the Disability Discrimination Act and your 'duty of care'

Simply put, you will now fall foul of the law if you fail to recognise the mental health needs of your staff. It's also important to remember your 'duty of care' - particularly in the context of exponentially rising levels of workplace stress, which is often a first step towards developing more serious mental health problems.