New Acas advice on creating a positive mental health environment at work

Two thirds of workers (66 percent) have felt stressed or anxious about work over the past year claims a new report from Acas. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employees in Great Britain about their experiences of stress and anxiety in the workplace. The most common reasons given for the way they felt included workloads (60 percent), the way that they were managed (42 percent) and balancing home and work lives (35 percent). As a result of the research Acas has produced a framework to help employers boost positive mental health at work.

Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “According to our poll, the majority of workers have felt stressed or anxious about work over the past year. This is a cause for concern and it’s clear that active steps need to be taken to support the wellbeing of all staff.

“Our study found that seven out of ten employees believe it is a line manager’s role to recognise and address stress or anxiety at work but only two fifths said that they would talk to their manager about it.

“It is clear that many people feel unable to have these conversations with their managers or choose to struggle alone. Acas has advice on how to create a positive mental health environment at work.”

Acas has produced a framework for positive mental health at work, which outlines the roles that employers, managers and their staff can play to help make it happen.

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The advice includes suggestions such as employers leading on a wellbeing strategy at work; supporting and training managers to have the confidence and knowledge in managing mental health; and workers identifying personal stress triggers, supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed.

The framework and full policy paper Stress and anxiety at work: personal or cultural? is available here: