Promoting mental health, ending discrimination at work.

This is an initiative by the Department of Health to promote positive mental health in the workplace.

Action on Stigma will:

•    Provide a set of core principles that employers can seek to meet to promote mental wellbeing and end discrimination in the workplace

•    Give employers a systematic process to follow

•    Employers will be  provided with information, advice and support via regional teams
 

Between January and March 07 CSIP (Care Services Improvement Partnership) will be consulting in Regional hubs. CSIP are keen to hear from business leaders so that businesses can be supported to implement these principles in a way that is most appropriate for their needs.
  

The workplace has a powerful effect on everyone’s mental health. If people are not treated with understanding and offered the appropriate help there is considerable cost to individuals, businesses and society:
•    80 million working days lost each year to stress, depression and anxiety
 (Shaw Trust 2006)
•    Not addressing mental health in the workplace costs business and the public sector £9 billion pounds each year ( Dept of health  1999)


Employers can demonstrate that employees are helped to look after their and others’ mental health problems

Employers promote a culture of respect and dignity for everyone, ensuring that staff are trained to recognise and be sensitive to mental distress within the workplace.

Employers encourage awareness of mental health issues so that employees are aware of the danger signs and can seek help early

Employers can demonstrate that no one is refused employment on the grounds of mental illness or disability

Employers make reasonable adjustments to the work environment for people with mental health problems so that they can continue working

Employers can demonstrate that they take positive steps to ensure that people with mental health problems are not disadvantaged, in relation to the availability of their goods and services