Employers and employees experiencing mental health 'expectation gap'.

76% of business leaders said mental health is a high priority issue for them, but only 45% of employees surveyed feel their employer treats it as such.

6 September 2024, by Megan Anderson.

Affordable healthcare provider Benenden Health has found a significant mental health 'expectation gap' between employers and employees in the UK.

The research found that 54% of employers claim to have asked what mental health provision employees need, yet only 15% of employees said they have been asked. Similarly, 45% of employees said counselling services would be most valued, followed by mental health leave (40%) and workload reviews (32%).

This research was conducted by Benenden Health to gain insight into the nation’s mental health and workplace experiences, aiming to support businesses in bridging the identified gaps.

Misalignment in what mental health support is available to employees was also found. For example, 47% of employers said they offer regular workload reviews to their employees, but only 14% of employees said they receive this, highlighting a 33% gap in awareness of what’s on offer.

The same applied to internal policies, as almost half (44%) of employers said they offer mental health sick leave, yet only a fifth (19%) of employees said they receive it.

Benenden Health found the disconnect in awareness of these mental health services is caused by a lack of communication between employer and employee. It was found that 54% of employers said they have asked what mental health provision employees need, yet only 15% of employees said they have been asked.

Rebecca Mian, Director of People Services at Benenden Health, comments, “It is reassuring to see that employers are prioritising mental health for their workforce, just as much as physical health support. However, there’s still work to be done to improve the communication gap, so employees know exactly what support they have at their disposal when the need arises in the same way signposting support does, such as mental health helplines or website that can help employees.

“There are a number of ways business owners and line managers can improve the dialogue around mental health. One example could be to incorporate mental health support questions into regular confidential employee surveys.

“It could also be encouraging to add mental health conversations to regular reviews, planning meetings, and appraisals. Including open questions as simple as 'How manageable are you finding your workload?’ or ‘How are you feeling today?’ can start to encourage employees to share.”

Jemma Williamson, Corporate Mental Health Practitioner at Vita Health Group adds, “Creating a workplace that prioritises mental health is essential for fostering a positive and productive environment.

“By being open about mental health, providing necessary resources, and embedding these values into the organisational culture, companies can make a significant positive difference in their employees’ lives. This approach not only enhances individual wellbeing but also contributes to a more resilient and thriving workplace.”

To read more about Benenden Health’s mental health report and access its support, visit our page Mental Health in the Workplace.