If an employee experiences a mental health problem, it is crucial for their employer to take it seriously. Rather than shying away from the topic, employees should talk to the employee to learn what support that person may need within the workplace.

1. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR EMPLOYERS TO SUPPORT
EMPLOYEES’
MENTAL HEALTH?

2. M A R K L Y T T L E T O N
2
WH Y IS IT IMPORTANT FOR
EMPLOYERS TO SUPPORT
EMPLOYEES’ MENTAL HEALTH?
If an employee experiences a mental health problem, it is crucial for their employer to
take it seriously. Rather than shying away from the topic, employees should talk to the
employee to learn what support that person may need within the workplace.

3. 3
M A R K L Y T T L E T O N
Common mental health issues include depression, stress
and anxiety, while less common conditions include
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Employers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to workers and must
take measures to protect the health, wellbeing and safety
of employees. To achieve this, employers must ensure that
working environments are safe by carrying out regular risk
assessments, as well as protecting staff from discrimination.
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against disabled
employees. Under the Equality Act 2010, a mental health
problem can qualify as a disability. It is therefore prudent
for employers to work with employees experiencing mental
health issues, making the right adjustments for them. Often
simple changes can go a long way, such as helping employees
to prioritise their workload, relieving them of some of their
responsibilities, or allowing them to take extra rest breaks.
It is illegal for
employers to
discriminate against
disabled employees.
Under the Equality
Act 2010, a mental
health problem
can qualify as a
disability.

4. You can learn more about the importance
of employers putting in place frameworks to
support the mental health and wellbeing of all
employees by visiting the blog Mark Lyttleton.