Businesses harm employee motivation as they discriminate against mental health issues, says survey

Date: 29/12/2010

Businesses are not doing enough to boost employee motivation among those with mental health conditions, according to research.

The survey, by mental health organisation Shaw Trust, found that half of employers would not hire staff who had mental health conditions, with 40 per cent terming these workers as a "significant risk".

But the research did show that bosses know their shortfalls, as eight in ten business leaders agreed that British working industry 'loses out' on crucial abilities, skills and talent by failing to recruit and keep a varied and diverse range of staff.

Sally Burton, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said: "Levels of prejudice and misunderstanding are alarmingly high, yet emotional and practical support remains low or often non-existent.

"But it's not just about social justice; it also makes real business sense.

"Embracing a diverse workforce will pay dividends from increased productivity to improved performance and retention."

Last month research by mental health charity Mind revealed that of the fifth of workers who have taken work absences for stress, 93 per cent have lied to their boss about it, finding stress a taboo in the workplace.

Posted by Jo Morgan

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