CIPD on the need for greater support for managers to help them provide the mental health support that workers need during the pandemic.
As the risk to people’s physical health from COVID-19 continues, so does the threat to their mental health. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show almost one in five adults (19.2%) were likely to be experiencing some form of depression in June 2020; this had almost doubled from around 1 in 10 (9.7%) before the pandemic.
This is reinforced by CIPD research, which found that over half (56%) of people with existing mental health issues prior to lockdown said they had worsened as a result of the pandemic.
At this time of heightened uncertainty and anxiety for many, and amid a worsening economic crisis, every employee’s mental and physical health needs protecting.
Worryingly, our most recent data from employees found that around a third (33%) said their line manager or employer had not checked in on their health and wellbeing since the onset of the pandemic.
There is a growing need to support mental health