Survey highlights the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace

37% of survey respondents name work-related issues as a factor that influences their mental health and wellbeing.

The finding is among a number of results that we at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) are releasing from our 2024 annual stigma survey ahead of this year’s World Mental Health Day.

The theme of World Mental Health 2024 is 'It's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’. In line with this theme, which is set every year by the World Mental Health Federation, we are highlighting the importance of promoting positive mental health in the workplace. We are also encouraging employers and employees to familiarise themselves with supports available and the rights of workers experiencing mental health difficulties.

Survey findings

Findings from our Annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey reveal that:

• 47% were not aware that employers are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations for staff experiencing mental health difficulties
• 42% would not be okay explaining to their boss that they needed time off for a mental health difficulty
• 39% don’t believe that someone who experiences panic attacks could work as head of a large company
• 52% believe workplaces in Ireland are not open to employing people with mental health difficulties.

While these findings reveal there is more to be done to create open workplace cultures without mental health stigma or discrimination, attitudes have been gradually improving and stigma increasingly challenged over the years. For example, 26% of people in the 2024 survey said they have had a colleague disclose a mental health difficulty to them, whereas this figure stood at just 14% in our 2019 survey.

The survey results also highlight that almost one in two people are not aware of their right to reasonable accommodations for mental health difficulties in the workplace. Examples of reasonable accommodations can include time off to attend mental healthcare appointments; flexible working hours or a modified schedule; or a phased return to work. Information about reasonable accommodations; mental health and workplace rights; guidance for returning to work after a mental health difficulty; and supports for both employees and employers can be accessed in our #NoStigma: Mental Health and Work booklet. 

Wellbeing at work

Speaking about this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Gilligan, said: “Wellbeing is central to our health and a core human right that everyone should have the chance to enjoy. Work plays a key role in our wellbeing, and is an important source of esteem, identity and fulfilment.”

“Over the last number of years, we have witnessed a huge shift in organisations’ approaches to mental health in the workplace, with significant efforts across all industries to support employee mental health and wellbeing.”

“By running staff wellbeing initiatives, providing resources, signposting to specialist supports, and establishing employee assistance programmes, we can foster a culture of positive motivation and tackle stigma around mental health difficulties in the workplace.”

Supports needed to end mental health stigma

Aoife Cullinane, expert by experience, said: “What was really interesting to me from the research findings was that, despite an increase in people disclosing mental health difficulties in the workplace, it still appears that the workplace remains the final frontier in reducing stigma.”

“Creating a compassionate setting at work benefits everyone and helps people to truly thrive. With the right supports, and an open and inclusive environment, you can feel more supported and empowered to take care of your mental health.”

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Notes

The Annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey covers a nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 adults. The survey was conducted by Amárach Research in summer 2024.