Health, work and wellbeing

Mental ill health in the workplace can be caused by all sorts of issues. For example:

• a badly managed grievance can result in feelings of frustration
• a case of bullying or harassment which is not tackled could lead to stress and depression
• employees who find it difficult to juggle work and family life may start to find it difficult to cope
• a case of unresolved conflict left to fester could cause a decrease in morale and motivation

All of these can result in stress, anxiety and depression and absences from work on short or long-term sick leave. A new booklet produced by Acas, Health, work and wellbeing (www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=854&p=0) aims to help employers and employees understand the connection between mental and physical wellbeing and working life.

The guide focuses on three areas:

1. The relationship between line managers and employees
2. The importance of getting employees’ involved in decision-making
3. Job design, flexible working and the use of occuopational health