Report finds lack of support on mental health

Although two-thirds of employees say they or a work colleague have experienced a mental health problem, only 6% feel their line manager would be able to provide practical support.

The findings come from new research based on a survey of 1,600 employees and undertaken jointly by research and consultancy body The Work Foundation, and Mind Out for Mental Health, the Department of Health's campaign to combat stigma and discrimination around mental health.

To address the issue Mind Out for Mental Health has launched The line managers' resource pack - a practical guide to managing and supporting mental health in the workplace.

The study found that almost half (46%) of employees would go to their line manager if they were affected by mental health issues, and 65% thought their manager would be understanding.

However only 6% of workers thought their managers would be able to provide practical support.

Chief executive of The Work Foundation, Will Hutton, said: "Productivity, performance, attendance, staff retention and morale - all are affected when individuals experience stress, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks or other difficulties. Therefore it makes good business sense to take mental health seriously."

The line managers' resource is free, tel: 0870 443 0930 or email: [email protected]