Mental health survey findings (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Mental health survey findings

4:56pm Sunday 27th April 2008 in Business By Michael Black

Bosses underestimate the levels of stress, anxiety and depression suffered by their colleagues and employees according to new research.

It reveals almost three in ten workers will have a mental health problem in any one year.

Acas, the employment relations service, is advising bosses on how to spot and deal with mental health problems at work.

A recent study found people suffering from depression took an average of 30 days off for each sickness absence spell.

Peter McGee, area director, Acas Yorkshire and Humber says: "Spotting and doing something about troubled employees is an important business skill.

"As well as being good managers in the traditional sense, we urge bosses to look out for early indicators before they develop into something more serious, like stress or depression.

"Healthy and content workers translate directly into productive employees."

Bosses are being urged to look out for the early signs of problems among staff, such as not being able to cope with their work, seeming distracted, a sudden loss in motivation or absenteeism.

Acas has published a free guide which is available on acas.org.uk. or on 08457 474747.