Information for employers

We know that mental health stigma continues to be a huge barrier in workplaces across Scotland.

The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Study showed us that seven in 10 people with experience of severe and enduring mental illness have been treated unfairly by employers, supervisors and managers.

While it’s okay to not fully understand someone’s situation or experience, it is never okay to stigmatise and discriminate as a result.

It’s estimated that mental illness currently costs Scottish employers £2bn a year.

Making a commitment to do something about stigma and discrimination benefits everyone – not just people who are struggling with their mental health.

“To experience discrimination in work because of your mental health is horrible, it feels like you’re going into a toxic environment every day. You worry what you are going to do, and what people will think about you.” - Tommy, See Me volunteer

Employers have a duty of care to their employees when it comes to both physical and mental health. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to explore and put in place reasonable adjustments which can enable employees to do their job and support their mental health needs.

If workplaces properly support colleagues struggling with their mental health then it can increase productivity, reduce sickness rates and help employees return to work quicker.

Our freely available mental health tools and resources for workplaces are designed to improve your understanding of mental health, open up conversations and give you the skills and confidence you need to address the stigma which exists in organisations Scotland-wide.

In the section below, you’ll find information about our See Me in Work offer of support for employers, as well as a range of packs, tools and information to help employers, HR professionals and organisational learning teams get started on – or continue – the journey towards ending mental health stigma and discrimination at work, including our digital portal, which takes you through a continuous improvement process from self-assessment to action.