Mental health: call for OH OH hub, as 1 in 10 workers took time off last year

To combat the “unprecedented levels” of mental illness experienced by workers, a UK-wide mental health ‘hub’ should be established.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Society of Occupational Medicine and Faculty of Occupational Medicine have issued the call following the publication of a survey of 2,149 adults commissioned by the College, which found that nearly one adult out of ten (9%) had to take time away from work last year due to mental ill-health.

Nearly half (45%), who said that they were unable to get back to work after a month, are even more concerning. 6% of respondents said that someone in their family had to take a break.

Nearly one-third (31%) of respondents would not be comfortable asking for time off from their employer due to mental illness (increasing up to 48% among those who are actively working).

The most uncomfortable were young people between 18 and 24 years old (44%, compared to 65% among those who are actively employed).

The shocking findings led the Royal College, SOM and FOM (the Federation of Medical Officers) to join forces to call on the UK Government and the devolved government to address “the unprecedented impact” mental illness has on adults in working age across the UK.

Most people (51%) and 50%) suggested that a poor work-life imbalance and excessive workloads can contribute to poor mental wellbeing at the workplace.

Respondents also noted that they were faced with demanding management (36%), long hours or inflexible schedules (27%) as well as discrimination and harassment (24%).

The RCPsych has warned for years that mental illness is a major factor in the UK’s declining productivity. Mental health problems are one of the most common causes of disability among working-age people.

If mental illness is detected and treated early, many people with mental health issues can remain at work or return to it.

They have said that delays in care put people at a greater risk of chronic and severe conditions.

The college also noted that research shows that employees who are supported by their employer and especially their line manager, can often continue to work and thrive.

It added that there is very good evidence to suggest that organisations with easy access to occupational healthcare professionals and services will be more productive, and better able to help workers who are experiencing mental health issues.

The College, SOM, and FOM are calling on all government to implement a UK standard in workplace mental health that would be awarded to organisations who comply, similar to the “Disability Confident” accreditation scheme.

They have said that this should be a tiered system and achievable regardless organisational size. This would allow employers to show their commitment to mental wellness.

A UK-wide guidance hub should be developed to help employers achieve this standard. Organisations such as RCPsych and SOM will contribute to this, along with other leaders in the field. They added that it should offer evidence-based options for managers and employers, and incorporate best practices and initiatives from devolved countries.

The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Hub, which was set up in Australia and has been a success story so far, could serve as an example.

According to their estimate, it would cost 6 million pounds to create a hub for occupational mental health over a period of three to four years.

Last week, published a purchaser’s guide on wellbeing at work to help organizations decide what evidence-based, effective wellbeing interventions to invest in.

Dr Lade Smith said, “It is appalling that many households have to take time away from work because of mental ill-health, which can be treated. It is not just affecting the livelihoods of people, but also the growth and prosperity of the UK’s economy.

This current mental health crisis is causing thousands of people to be out of work. Many are becoming more isolated and ill as a consequence, without even mentioning the fear of being judged.

Untreated mental illness prevents many people from working. Unemployment and poor workplace conditions are major contributors to mental illness, so this vicious cycle needs to be broken immediately.

Dr Lanre Ogunyemi is the president of the Society of Occupational Medicine. He said that early intervention was vital in preventing mental issues from becoming chronic. This can be achieved by strong collaboration between employers and occupational health professionals as well as mental health services.

“Occupational health professionals often are the first line support for employees who face mental health challenges. They play a crucial role in identifying problems early and supporting or implementing tailored interventions. These services can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of an organisation. They reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.

The creation of a UK workplace mental health standard will offer businesses of all sizes a practical framework to improve their support structures, create healthier and more inclusive environments while ensuring that healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance of employment as an essential treatment outcome. The success of the standard will depend on a coordinated effort by employers, health professionals and policymakers. We also call on the government for occupational health services to be accessible to all organizations, empowering both businesses and employees to thrive”, added Dr Ogunyemi.

Dr Robin Cordell is the president of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. He said that many of our patients in occupational health are people with mental illnesses, or where work-related factors impact on mental health.

We have seen excellent examples of managers working with their team members to mitigate stress in the workplace or identify mental health issues.

The referral of people to occupational health services at the right time reinforces these efforts. Most employers with whom we work have employee assistance programs and other initiatives that provide counseling and, in some cases, talking therapy. These efforts can help reduce the likelihood of people leaving their jobs,” Dr Cordell said.

Separately a leading corporate psychology is spearheading an initiative calling for mental injuries caused by workplace incidents to be treated the same as physical injuries.

Tina Catling is a member of the Royal Society of the Arts and the Institution of Civil Engineers. She is also a Principal Practitioner for the Association for British Psychology.

She wants mental health injuries included in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) Regulations 2013.

Catling stated: “This would bring mental injuries to the same level as physical injuries in the workplace, creating more psychological safety.” This would not only save businesses thousands of dollars in productivity and absences, but it would also save lives.