The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures show that about half of work-related ill health can be attributed to stress, depression or anxiety, with each person affected taking an average of 19.6 days off work a year. Markel Law, which provides legal advice to members on behalf of FSB, has also noted a rise in calls in the past few years to the FSB employment legal advice line where employers are seeking advice on managing employees’ sick leave where employees’ mental ill-health is a factor; particularly in relation to long-term sick leave or employees whose conditions fluctuate.
To coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024, HSE has published awareness guidance for employers that provides a useful reminder for employers on the legal requirement for employers under health and safety legislation to take steps to help prevent work-related stress and support good mental health in the workplace by carrying out a risk assessment and acting on it. There is also an additional duty under employment legislation for employers to put in place reasonable adjustments where an employee is disabled, whether due to physical or mental-health reasons.
As the HSE guidance highlights, failing to manage stress at work can also of course cost employers in reduced productivity, sickness absence, or even losing a valued member of the team.
The Working Minds campaign brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health. FSB members also have access to a stress and mental health risk assessment for employers on the FSB Legal and Business Hub.