Why Sheffield employers need to take mental health more seriously

Some 19 per cent have missed work, research by life insurance group AIG UK found, which is above the national average.

Employers have been advised to mental health more seriously if they are to retain employees.

A 22-year-old man - who asked not to b name - told researchers: “I made the mistake of disclosing things and they simply did not understand. It is clear that many employers still do not see mental health in the same way as physical health. You cannot just get over things like you would a cold.”

He told how he had to feign stomach aches in his previous job, so he could get time off work for mental health related issues.

Debbie Bolton, head of customer operations and chief underwriter at AIG, said: “We urgently need to address the mental health crisis in the UK, which is having a profoundly negative impact on individuals, employers and UK plc. The good news is there are solutions available to help organisations support their employees.”

Employers could lose staff with valuable skills and experience, suffer a decrease in productivity and an increase in costs if they do not support employees battling stress and mental health issues, she added.

Although women are more likely than men to take time out from work for such issues, both face the same challenges on returning. Over a quarter of people said they lost confidence and motivation, while one in six believe their absence had hindered their career, especially in cases of long term employment breaks.

Organisations such as Mind - a mental health charity - offer training and courses to help employers and staff achieve this.

See here for more information.