Mental health issues shockingly widespread at work - but HR can help

Almost half (48%) of UK employees have experienced a mental health issue at their current job, according to mental health charity Mind.

The survey of more than 44,000 workers found that only half of those who had experienced poor mental health had talked to their employer about it - which suggests that as many as one in four UK workers is struggling in silence.

However, the researchers also found that employers can make a hugely positive impact on the mental health of their workers. Managers who felt their employer supported their mental health, or actively built their skills in supporting team members with mental health problems, were far more likely to feel confident in promoting staff wellbeing.

And manager confidence is closely linked with whether employees feel able to disclose their mental health concerns. Those 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 able to talk about their mental health at work.