Dan MeyersVeriforce CHAS is encouraging employers to address mental health this year as new figures reveal stress, depression or anxiety account for almost half of all work-related ill health in the United Kingdom.
According to the latest data from the HSE, during the 2022/23 period, approximately 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, resulting in 2,590 cases per 100,000 workers and an estimated loss of 17.1 million working days.
Veriforce CHAS managing director Ian McKinnon, says: “The latest HSE statistics on workplace ill health show mental health issues continue to loom large, which is why we are encouraging businesses to make a habit of addressing mental health in the coming year.
“We urge businesses who haven’t already done so to sign the Causeway mental health pledge and commit to promoting good mental health as a routine part of their business operations.”
The role of mental health assessments
Taking action around mental health now will help businesses prepare for a future where mental health assessments become a standard component of the prequalification process.
Veriforce CHAS is launching a dedicated mental health accreditation in 2024. This initiative aims to set benchmarks for how businesses and their supply chains address mental health, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment.
The company has also produced the resource, FREE Mental Health Resources Guide for Businesses.
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