Time to Talk Day: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

Statistics show that mental health is now the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, with 1 in 6 British workers affected by issues such as anxiety, depression and stress and costing an average of £1,035 per employee each year. This means we are probably all working with someone who is experiencing a mental health problem.

That said, research has shown that those with mental health issues still feel isolated, with 9 in 10 people experiencing stigma and discrimination - 95% employees that call in sick with stress give a different reason.

Time to Talk Day 2017

Time to Talk Day taking place today, 2nd February, focuses on the impact that positive conversations about mental health can make and encourages everyone to strike up a conversation, whatever the hour. 

The national event is organised by Time to Change, a leading campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness which aims to tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and improve the public attitudes and behaviours towards those who are suffering. 

You can support Time to Talk Day in your workplace by visiting the Time to Change website and using their wide range of free resources and simple activities to help spread the word both today and throughout the year. 

Time to Change Employer’s Pledge

Being open about mental health, sparking conversations and sharing best practice not only makes a big impact on the health of employees, but can also make a big impact to organisations by reducing sickness absence rates and improving staff wellbeing, productivity and retention. 
Signing the Time to Change’s Employer’s pledge demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to tackling the stigma of mental health in the workplace and supporting employees who may be suffering with a mental health problem.

Over 400 employers, including FTSE 100 companies, leading retailers, government departments and local authorities have got involved with movement. Time to Change works closely with your organisation to develop an action to encourage employee involvement in tackling mental health through national awareness events, managers training, connections to other employers and free masterclasses where you can learn from leading employers on how they have achieved success.

Find out more about the Employer’s pledge on the Time to Change website