In the United Kingdom, it is recognised that the workplace can be a major cause of stress affecting mental health and work performance. The scope of the problem is illustrated by the estimated 80 million days of sick leave (four days per worker) certified as due to mental illness.1 This figure does not provide the full picture, since it does not take into account uncertified absences or absences wrongly attributed to physical illness.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends that a mental health policy be an integral part of any organisation's health and safety policy. Some large companies, such as Marks and Spencer, Astra, Zeneca, and The Boots Company, have developed policies that have addressed mental health issues in the workplace. Analysis of those policies has defined certain key elements of good practice regarding the promotion of mental well-being at work. As a first step, it is crucial for organisations to recognise and accept that mental health is an important issue. Introduction of a mental health policy demonstrates an organisation's commitment to mental health2. Companies should provide information on existing levels of stress and mental ill health and on the ways in which organisational structure and function may be contributing to stress. Analysing the current situation helps to identify the needs of the organisation and to target areas where intervention is necessary. A mental health policy in the workplace can promote mental well-being, reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health, and provide assistance to employees suffering from stress or more serious mental health problems.
Example: A mental health policy for an employer3
1. Audit
To provide information on existing levels of stress and mental ill health within an organisation, and the ways in which organisational structure may be contributing to these, or otherwise. The process will identify areas for intervention via a mental health policy.
2. Development
To produce a mental health policy tailored to the needs of an organisation. The policy document may include:
*An introduction, outlining the negative effects of mental ill health on sickness absence and work performance, and defining the aims and objectives of the policy. Core aims might be to promote mental wellbeing, reduce stigma associated with mental ill health, and promote assistance to employees suffering from stress or more serious mental health problems.
*Health, safety and welfare policy of the organisation.
*Human resources policies, e.g., on mental health and recruitment, sickness absence, rehabilitation, and alcohol use.
