New research reveals that poor mental health at work is widespread, with 48% of people surveyed having experienced a mental health problem in their current role

The study, which surveyed more than 40,000 employees, comes as The Duke of Cambridge and mental health charity Mind launch project to help workplaces improve staff wellbeing.

It was found that of the 44,000 employees, only half of those who had experienced poor mental health had talked to their employer about it. This suggests that as many as one in four UK workers is struggling in silence, with problems such as anxiety, low mood and stress.

The Thriving at Work report

Last year’s report revealed that as many as 300,000 people lose their job each year due to a mental health problem. It was suggested that poor mental health at work in the UK costs the economy between £72bn and £99bn. Separate research by Mind also revealed that one in three employers do not know where to find information and guidance, and Heads Together research shows that just 2% of employees were prepared to talk to HR.

Analysis of the survey reveals that support for managers is vital in making a difference. Managers who felt their employer supported their mental health, or actively developed their skills in supporting team members with mental health problems, were far more likely to feel confident and comfortable in promoting staff wellbeing.

In turn, manager confidence is closely linked with whether employees feel able to talk. The staff who felt their manager supported their mental health, or could spot the signs that someone might be struggling were far more likely to say they would be comfortable talking about mental health at work.

The Mental Health at Work gateway

This latest study is part of the work HRH the Duke of Cambridge is doing with Mind. The project, which launches today, is the new online Mental Health at Work ‘gateway’.

Supported by The Royal Foundation, Heads Together and 11 other organisations, the UK-wide portal is a free resource for both employers and employees. The gateway brings together information, advice, resources and training that organisations can use to improve wellbeing and give staff the support they need.

For the first time, the Mental Health at Work gateway brings together a wealth of content enabling workers to search a huge range of resources according to their type of business and organisation size, creating a tailored package of support to improve workplace wellbeing.

Chief Executive of Mind, Paul Farmer said: “We are really proud to be involved in this piece of work, which offers a one-stop shop for anyone looking to improve mental wellbeing in their workplace and support staff with mental health problems.

“We know that employers want to do more and are starting to see mental health as a priority, but often don’t know where to start. The new online Mental Health at Work gateway will change that.

“It’s clear from our research that when employers support their managers properly, it can make a big difference to the whole organisation. The gateway gives managers the tools they need. Even small changes to policy, approach and workplace culture can make a really big difference to the mental health of those around us.

“No matter the size of your workplace, and no matter where you work, Mental Health at Work can help you find what you need to start or continue your journey to better workplace wellbeing for everyone.”

Group Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, António Horta-Osório, will be attending and speaking at the launch event today has said: “The Mental Health at Work gateway is a hugely impressive undertaking, which we will be making substantial use of at Lloyds.

“Our experience shows that, with the right culture of support, employees can experience poor mental health at times, or live with an ongoing mental health condition, and still succeed and thrive at work.

“We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. As employers, we have a real opportunity to change the way we approach mental health, giving our people the support they need to thrive.”

Visit the new Mental Health at Work gateway.

To find a counsellor near you, visit Counselling Directory.

Read more about Reporting a Mental Health Issue at Work, and learn more about the benefits of Mental Health First Aid Training.