A BREAKFAST Briefing will highlight how a reported increase in ‘presenteeism’ is a growing risk to business.
The briefing will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 21 November 2012 at the St Andrew Square offices of resolve.
resolve business manager, Wendy Bates, explained how many businesses are experiencing the effects of this growing trend where employees continue to work despite being unwell.
“The increase in presenteeism may be caused by fears over job security in the present economic downturn, but whatever the reason, it poses a threat to business as an employee that doesn’t feel well is unlikely to perform well at work,” said Wendy.
Adds a spokesperson: “Depression was recently named the most common UK illness by a GP poll*, with one in ten people currently undergoing treatment. Recent research carried out by the CiPD** supports this finding and states that stress related absence and instances of mental illness in the workplace continue to rise.”
Wendy continued: “Fortunately, there are a number of routes open to employers to support the wellbeing of their employees and minimise instances of presenteeism and absenteeism caused by stress and other mental health issues.
resolve works with businesses to both manage stress and promote positive mental health and was set up by mental health charity Health in Mind with funding from the Scottish Government Enterprise Growth Fund.
Wendy continued: “We train managers to spot the early warning signs of stress and help them to develop strategies for managing it.
“For employees experiencing stress, anxiety or depression we offer personalised support to overcome their issues and increase their productivity at work. Dealing with presenteeism outside of the workplace reduces the pressure on managers and allows them to concentrate on running the business.”
Places can be booked by calling 0131 718 6003.
* Figures gathered from 8,000 GP practices and published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre
** Charted Institute of Personnel and Development Absence Management Survey 2012.
ENDS
For further information contact Health in Mind Communications Officer Katie Smith on 0131 225 8505 or by email at Katie@health-in-mind.org.uk
Notes for editors:
- 40 per cent of all sick days are attributed to mental ill health
- at any one time, nearly one in six employees will be affected by a mental health condition such as stress, depression or anxiety
- the cost per employee is approx. £970
- the annual cost to Scottish business is in the region of £2 billion
Health in Mind is a registered Scottish charity with over 30 years of experience in providing a range of mental health and wellbeing services including information, support, training and talking therapies.
The Enterprise Growth Fund is a £6m Scottish Government Fund.
The Fund is making strategic investments in ambitious and enterprising third sector organisations enabling them to develop, grow and become more sustainable. It supports third sector organisations to realise their full potential and to make a key contribution to the National Outcomes of the Scottish Government.
The Enterprise Growth Fund is managed by the Wise Group with consortium partners CEiS, DSL and Social Value Lab.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Health in Mind. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Doreen Graham
Phone: 01312430137
Email: doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk
Website: http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk
