Common health problems like stress, depression and mental health in the workplace are costing employers millions of pounds in lost productivity according the NHS watchdog.

More employees are adopting to a culture of long hours and “presenteeism” — where workers feel obliged to come into work and staying long hours although they may be unproductive. This act is seen as damaging small businesses and the wider economy according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The watchdog analysis suggests that the annual cost of mental ill-health to a business with 1,000 employees is £835,355, but up to £250,000 a year could be saved by reducing absenteeism and increasing performance.

NICE has produced an online calculator as part of guidance on mental health and well-being in the workplace, which informs employers how much they could save by improving line management and working conditions.

The calculator is aimed at reducing an estimated 13.7 million working days lost each year because of work-related mental health conditions including stress, depression and anxiety. They are estimated to cost employers more than £28 billion a year at current pay levels.Top of FormBottom of Form

It is said that an estimated one in six has suffered from mental health problems at some time, meaning that even small businesses could benefit from measures such as allowing people to work from home or part-time where possible.

The report also recommended that line managers improved employees’ mental health by giving constructive feedback that included praise as well as criticism.

According to NICE Professor Mike Kelly, the benefits of improving mental well-being were clear. “Today’s guidance explains how employers can make simple changes that will improve the management of mental health in the workplace, including prevention and early identification of problems,” he added.

The source: Times Online

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