Mental Health and Work

Sinclair A, O'Regan S | HR Network Paper MP75 | Institute for Employment Studies | Jan 2007

The prevalence of mental health problems in the UK population is high, so it is an issue that every employer is likely to face at some point or another.

This report reviews the literature on mental health issues at work and the interventions available to tackle them, in order to provide some guidance to help employers deal with the issues within their own companies.

In the case of rehabilitation, it needs to be recognised that work, on the whole, is good for people and good for recovery, so in most cases employers should do their best to enable employees with mental health problems to stay in work.

This report outlines the benefits of taking a more positive approach to tackling mental health issues, going beyond complying with legislation, towards promoting mental well-being at work.