[UK] ‘Mental health washing’ occurs in majority of workplaces

As we mark World Mental Health Day, new research has revealed quite how far there is to go before there is appropriate consideration of mental health in the UK workplace, Business Leader reports.

The findings from HR, payroll and finance software provider MHR show that nearly eight in ten UK employees (79 per cent) do not believe their employer when they talk about or promote the mental health initiatives on offer.

The results suggest that employees are seeing through what MHR has termed ‘mental health washing’; a phenomenon where companies say they promote the importance of mental health while the reality is far different.

The same research reportedly showed that this phenomenon does have a basis in fact. One-fifth (19 per cent) of the FTSE 100 posted about mental health on their social channels on relevant awareness days then failed to reference anything to do with mental health at all for the remainder of the year.

With a majority of UK adults (65 per cent) saying their mental health has been impacted this year as a result of their financial situation and yet more (67 per cent) saying this was directly affecting their ability to concentrate at work, it is evident that addressing mental health washing should be a priority for any businesses seeking to recruit and retain the best talent.

Actions to take include ensuring that the most efficient payroll processes are in place. Money worries are compounded by inaccuracies and nearly half (46 per cent) of employees reported that they have missed a bill payment because they were not paid correctly or on time by their employer.

Jeanette Wheeler - Chief HR Officer of MHR - said, “This research is quite shocking – in today’s day and age, it simply shouldn’t be the case that employees feel as though mental health offerings are not authentic. Employers who are not seen as proactive and genuine in dealing with this crisis will suffer long-term consequences as employees vote with their feet and look elsewhere for those who are.

“World Mental Health Day serves as a vital reminder of the duty of care employers have for their employees, but any offerings or services in place to help should also be openly discussed all year round to remove the stigma associated with using them.

“Businesses also need to acknowledge the impact sloppy internal processes – such as inaccurate payroll – can have on the wellbeing of its workforce. The rising cost of living is placing a huge strain on employee finances, which is naturally impacting mental health. Employees should be able to expect to be paid accurately and on time to mitigate these financial stresses.

“Employers have a commitment to their employees’ wellbeing, and having an accurate, reliable payroll procedure is one piece of the puzzle.”

Source: Business Leader

(Quotes via original reporting)

As we mark World Mental Health Day, new research has revealed quite how far there is to go before there is appropriate consideration of mental health in the UK workplace, Business Leader reports.

The findings from HR, payroll and finance software provider MHR show that nearly eight in ten UK employees (79 per cent) do not believe their employer when they talk about or promote the mental health initiatives on offer.

The results suggest that employees are seeing through what MHR has termed ‘mental health washing’; a phenomenon where companies say they promote the importance of mental health while the reality is far different.

The same research reportedly showed that this phenomenon does have a basis in fact. One-fifth (19 per cent) of the FTSE 100 posted about mental health on their social channels on relevant awareness days then failed to reference anything to do with mental health at all for the remainder of the year.

With a majority of UK adults (65 per cent) saying their mental health has been impacted this year as a result of their financial situation and yet more (67 per cent) saying this was directly affecting their ability to concentrate at work, it is evident that addressing mental health washing should be a priority for any businesses seeking to recruit and retain the best talent.

Actions to take include ensuring that the most efficient payroll processes are in place. Money worries are compounded by inaccuracies and nearly half (46 per cent) of employees reported that they have missed a bill payment because they were not paid correctly or on time by their employer.

Jeanette Wheeler - Chief HR Officer of MHR - said, “This research is quite shocking – in today’s day and age, it simply shouldn’t be the case that employees feel as though mental health offerings are not authentic. Employers who are not seen as proactive and genuine in dealing with this crisis will suffer long-term consequences as employees vote with their feet and look elsewhere for those who are.

“World Mental Health Day serves as a vital reminder of the duty of care employers have for their employees, but any offerings or services in place to help should also be openly discussed all year round to remove the stigma associated with using them.

“Businesses also need to acknowledge the impact sloppy internal processes – such as inaccurate payroll – can have on the wellbeing of its workforce. The rising cost of living is placing a huge strain on employee finances, which is naturally impacting mental health. Employees should be able to expect to be paid accurately and on time to mitigate these financial stresses.

“Employers have a commitment to their employees’ wellbeing, and having an accurate, reliable payroll procedure is one piece of the puzzle.”

Source: Business Leader

(Quotes via original reporting)