Increasing Retention: helping employees with mental health problems

More working days are lost to stress, depression and anxiety than any other work-related illness

If you act to create a more healthy workplace and give your employees support when they show signs that their mental health is at risk you will improve retention, and save money.

People experiencing mental health problems ranging from depression to schizophrenia can – and do – stay in work. Watch Aristos talking about how support from his employer and colleagues helped him through a crisis.

Line managers play a vital role

Line managers have a key role to play in supporting staff to maintain their mental well-being. Regular supervision or catch-up meetings can help managers recognise symptoms such as stress, anxiety, paranoia or depression. In addition managers play a crucial role in setting reasonable adjustments, flexible working allowances and return to work plans if employees need additional support. 

Get tips and advice and read some case studies from the HSE to learn how important line managers are

Mindful Employer have produced a Line Manager's Resource giving practical tips to help you support staff with mental health problems

Watch Graeme talking about his experience as a manager.

Life in the office – check out these videos!

Shift, a Department of Health-funded initiative, has produced a series of great videos that explore some of the issues people face managing mental ill-health in the workplace.

Impact on Depression

On-site training from 1-3 hours delivering good mental health at work from the Centre for Mental Health. Uses a range of training techniques that build knowledge, skills and confidence amongst managers and staff to recognise and give help to colleagues with depression and anxiety.