|
17 January 2005 - CIPD Research Confirms
Mental Health Problems Require Employers Attention
Navigation
Stress and other mental health problems within the workplace,
accounting for approximately 50% of absenteeism last year, is a challenge for
employers to reduce the increasing absence levels, says the Government, which
research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD),
confirms. The CIPD says greater effort to rehabilitate is necessary,
especially with long-term absenteeism.
A guide will be published by the CIPD - Recovery,
rehabilitation and retention - showing employers how best they can provide
the necessary support and rehabilitation to sufferers of mental health problems
and stress within their employ and the consistent management which will help
reduce this type of absenteeism.
Advice within the guide will include the following:
-
the provision of support for the employee in the workplace and
on sick leave
-
recognising when referral for further assessment is appropriate
-
monitoring and evaluating the programme for effectiveness,
including savings and benefits
The CIPD Employee Relations Adviser commented:
"Employers must do more than simply request and file a sick
note if they are to cut absence. Managers should engage with their staff to get
to the route of the problem and help staff to get back into the workplace -
engaging with staff will help both organisations and employees.
"Employers need to have a clear rehabilitation policy in
place, this will help to ensure staff are aware of available assistance and
managers are clear about the role they play in the process. Line managers play
an essential part in the rehabilitation process and it is important they are
trained so they are aware of how they can help members of staff who have been
off work sick for long periods integrate back into the organisation.
"It is essential for a member of the organisation, whether it
is a line manager, a member of the HR team or occupational health, to take on
the role of case manager in the rehabilitation process to ensure that it is
managed correctly and consistently."
When the guide is available, it can be accessed by clicking the
following:
CIPD - Guides
Article by Alexandra Johnston
|
