Mental health at work
Poor mental health can negatively affect employees' ability to work effectively, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment, including mental health support.
If you are suffering from excessive stress at work which is affecting your mental health, speak to your line manager, occupational health or UNISON rep immediately. They will be able to help you access help and support.
If you are experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, you should call 999 for emergency services or go to your nearest A&E.
For less urgent but still serious mental health needs, contact NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option, or contact your GP. The Samaritans can also be contacted for free on 116 123 or through their website.
On this page
Mental health at work
Mental health is a growing concern at UNISON. Motions raised at our National Delegate Conference over the past few years have shown a growing anxiety from our members on how our own mental health is affected by work.
Stress is a major pre-cursor to worsening mental health, and after years of austerity and being asked to do more with less, our members are at crisis point.
Impact of mental health on organisations
Stress not only affects individuals, but also has an impact on productivity. A recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development highlighted the impact that mental ill health can have on organisations. The study found that:
- 37% of sufferers are more likely to get into conflict with colleagues.
- 57% find it harder to juggle multiple tasks.
- 80% find it difficult to concentrate.
- 62% take longer to do tasks.
- 50% are potentially less patient with customers/clients.
Mental Health First Aid course
Mental Health First Aid is a training course designed to educate people to recognise the signs of people experiencing mental health issues. This allows them to provide immediate support and guidance, much like physical First Aid, but for mental health concerns.
There has been a huge drive in support for 'Mental Health First Aid' at work – not just from employers but from activists, as a solution to the growing concerns around managing mental health at work.
UNISON believes in the concept of immediate 'mental' as well as 'physical' first aid; however, the concept of 'physical' First Aid is much further forward, with legislation and organisational infrastructure behind it.
Mental health first aiders should also have some level of mental health support themselves, as well as recording options and supervision to ensure that they do not become overloaded due to role they are undertaking.
Learning
We know that learning something new is a great way to keep yourself well and can be a key part of aiding recovery from mental illness. Learning how you can support yourself and your colleagues can also be a great way of spreading the message about mental health at work and in our communities.
All UNISON members can request free access to the Staff Skills Academy, which includes the following e-learning courses:
Stress Management in the Workplace Certification
Reducing Stress (Techniques to Relax) Certification
Reducing Stress with Meditation and Visualisation Certification
External advice and support
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.