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8 November 2005 - Research Exposes Real
Reason for Mental Health Absenteeism
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The ongoing "See Me" campaign, launched in Scotland in October
2002 and run by an alliance of 5 Scottish mental health organisations, have
released their research results exposing the "real" reasons why employees who
suffer mental health illnesses take time off work.
The results of the research are as follows:
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One third (34%) of Scottish employees who have taken time off
work because of a mental health problem have felt forced to conceal their reason
for absence, fearing the negative reaction they might face from managers or
colleagues.
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62% of people absent from work due to a mental health problem
felt they were treated differently from when they were off with a physical
illness.
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Almost half (43%) of people with mental health problems who have
experienced mental ill health when in work, had felt encouraged to leave and not
return because of their mental health problem.
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Due to the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with
mental health problems, those experiencing mental ill-health face a lack
of crucial support and understanding.
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Only 37% of employers said they would take on people with mental
ill-health.
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62% of employers said they would employ someone with a physical
disability.
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80% of HR officers said they would employ a person with diabetes
to an executive position, whilst only 3% would employ a person with depression
to a similar role.
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Employment rates for people with mental health problems can be
as low as 4%, despite the fact that the majority of people who can work want to
be in a job.
Linda Dunion, Director of the "See Me" campaign, said:
“People’s misconceived attitudes and lack of awareness of
mental health problems often mean that those who experience mental ill-health do
not enjoy equal rights in the workplace. Having a job helps give people
confidence and self-esteem, which are key to our emotional well-being and good
mental health.
"It’s important to give people with mental ill-heath the same
respect and support as we would if someone had a physical illness.
"Discrimination against employees because of their diagnosis
of mental ill-health shuts the door on talent in the workplace. No employer can
afford to do that.”
Employees with mental ill-health feel they must conceal the true
nature of their illness for fear of repercussions from the stigma attached to
their illness.
Discrimination in the workplace from this type of illness can
lead to the individual losing their self-esteem and confidence, which in turn
prevents them from seeking help.
However, there are many more employers who are now recognising
mental ill-health as discrimination and have put in place policies and
procedures to help provide a workplace of support for such individuals.
One of these employers who now recognise and support the "See
Me" campaign is West Lothian Council Their Chief Executive, Mr. Alex
Linkston said:
"As an equal opportunities employer we are very pleased to
support the 'see me' workplace mental health awareness campaign locally. The
health and wellbeing of the people working for us is of paramount importance.
"This campaign will give staff an opportunity to find out
more about how to protect their own mental health whilst highlighting the
de-stigmatising mental ill-health message from 'see me' through payslip inserts
and workplace road shows."
Further information on mental ill-health in the workplace and
the "See Me" campaign can be accessed by clicking the following:
See me Scotland
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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