Nearly a third (32%) of workers do not expect to have access to any mental health support at work, despite nearly three-quarters (74%) feeling their mental health is affecting their career, according to a poll.
The survey of 400 UK workers by workplace mental health platform Unmind also found nearly two-thirds (64%) of those questioned felt they were responsible for supporting their colleagues’ mental wellbeing at work, yet only around half (55%) felt confident to do so.
A similar percentage (51%) also said that an organisation’s culture and approach around mental health culture and wellbeing would colour their decision as to whether to join or stay with a company.
Three in five (59%) said they found it hard to fit mental health and self-care practices into their day, with almost two-fifths (37%) blaming a lack of time for this.
Lack of sleep, work-related stress and anxiety were cited as the top three blockers to better managing mental health.
Wellbeing apps were considered more significant than free food when it came to health-related employee benefits. Smart devices and wearables were becoming increasingly popular as support tools, the research also concluded, ahead of more traditional methods such as books, videos and courses.
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Dr Sofia Gerbase, clinical psychologist at Unmind, said: “Once organisations prioritise mental health – focusing on work systems, structures, and staff through a top-down, whole-organisation approach – real change can happen.
“A viable, comprehensive wellbeing strategy that includes proactive and preventative whole-person support and takes a whole-organisation approach is an important part of this,” she added.
