Acas highlights support for prioritising mental health at work

According to a survey carried out by Acas, a huge majority of employees (89%) think it is important for bosses to prioritise staff mental health at work.

Highlighting that not everyone will show obvious signs of poor mental health, Acas is encouraging employers to talk to their staff to ensure mental wellbeing is supported in the workplace.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Bosses should treat poor mental health at work in the same way as physical illnesses and regularly ask their staff how they are doing. Some people with poor mental health can also be considered disabled under the Equality Act, which means an employer must make reasonable adjustments at work.”

Under the Equality Act 2010, someone with poor mental health can be considered to be disabled if:

it has a “substantial adverse effect” on their life, eg they regularly cannot focus on a task, or it takes them longer to complete tasks

it lasts, or is expected to last, at least 12 months

it affects their ability to do their normal day to day activities.

Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, Ms Dennis pointed out, and affects how someone thinks, feels and behaves.

Acas has advised employers to watch for warning signs, including: people appearing tired, anxious or withdrawn, an increase in sickness absence or being late to work. Changes in the standard of their work or focus on tasks and changes in usual behaviour, mood or how the person behaves with colleagues.

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