Employers urged to prioritise mental health after study shows it's a key concern

A survey of more than 1,000 workers by the conciliation service Acas found that nine in 10 believed it was important for employers to take mental health at work seriously

Employers are being encouraged to engage openly with their workforce about mental health as new studies show the majority of employees place high importance on this issue.

A survey by conciliation service Acas, which involved over a thousand workers, discovered that 90% believe it’s crucial for workplace mental health to be taken seriously. Highlighting that not all individuals exhibit clear signs of struggling mentally, Acas has advised managers to keep an eye out for those who appear tired, anxious, or withdrawn, as well as variations in punctuality and behaviour.

Julie Dennis from Acas emphasised the equivalence of mental and physical health issues in the workplace, stating: "Bosses should treat poor mental health at work in the same way as physical illnesses and regularly ask their staff how they are doing."

"Some people with poor mental health can also be considered disabled under the Equality Act, which means an employer must make reasonable adjustments at work."

Stressing the varied dimensions of mental health, she added: "Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how someone thinks, feels and behaves. Having conversations with staff in a sympathetic way can be a good first step."