In the past few years the issue of workplace mental health has come to the fore in the UK. Mental health first aid training, manager awareness packs, even the Mental Health at Work website launched by the Royal Family testify to this fresh focus. Every month new initiatives are launched that suggests a real revolution is occurring to bring into the light what was hitherto an engrained taboo subject. Are these efforts enough however to make a dent in what is becoming a widespread phenomenon and at a time when stress related mental suffering is the primary cause of long-term absenteeism in 20% of companies?
At the end of November Prince William spoke of his own mental stress when he was practising as an ambulance helicopter pilot. He explained, “After I had my own children I think the relation between the job and the personal life was what really took me over the edge. It needs more voices in the workplace standing up and saying ‘I’ve been there.’” Prince William has been the impetus behind the Royal Foundation promoting and informing on the issue of mental health (https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/).
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