Story Highlight
– BPS advocates for workplace mental health support.
– IOSH report highlights mental health impact on work.
– Dr. Raczka emphasizes need for better workplace support.
– Mental health issues limit employee work ability.
– Full report available on IOSH website.
Full Story
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has consistently emphasised the necessity for enhanced mental health and wellbeing provisions in workplaces. A recent publication from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), titled “Fixing Sick Britain,” highlights these issues. In this report, Dr Roman Raczka, President of the BPS, stresses the critical need for mental health support in professional environments. He stated, “Workplaces can no longer afford to ignore the growing impact of mental health-related conditions that limit employees’ ability to work and must be better supported to enable quality work and workplaces.” The comprehensive report is accessible for download on the IOSH website.
This is an important and timely reminder that mental health must be treated as a core workplace safety issue. Employers should move beyond token gestures and put in place practical, evidence based measures such as line manager training, accessible confidential support, reasonable adjustments, and proactive wellbeing monitoring. Aligning mental health support with risk assessment and return to work processes will help protect employees and maintain productivity. The IOSH and BPS collaboration is a useful prompt for organisations to review policies and take measurable action.
This is an important wake up call. Mental health directly affects safety, attendance and performance, so employers need to move beyond token gestures and embed practical, well resourced support into workplace systems. Training for managers, clear routes to confidential help, prompt adjustments for those struggling and measuring outcomes will make support real. Prevention through workload management, culture change and early intervention is just as important as reactive services. Employers, unions and health professionals should use the IOSH and BPS insights to create consistent, evidence based approaches that protect people and keep organisations functioning.
Absolutely agree. Employers must treat mental health with the same priority as physical safety. Practical steps include accessible early support, trained managers, clear policies, and reasonable adjustments for those affected. Prevention through workload design, fair absence management and promoting a speak up culture will reduce harm and protect productivity.