A new survey has found as many as seven in ten bosses view stress, depression and anxiety as inadequate excuses for taking time off work.

The survey, commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare, questioned 1,000 company owners, chief executives, senior business managers and managing directors and found that, even though an estimated quarter of workers suffer from such problems every year, 69% of bosses don’t view the illnesses as a valid excuse for taking time off.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at charity Mind said the findings were “worrying” however “not surprising.”

“This survey data is hugely worrying but unfortunately not surprising, as it echoes our own research,” she said.

“We know that there is still a taboo around talking about issues like stress, anxiety and depression at work. Yet we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and mental health problems are prevalent across all types of roles.

“Employees experiencing unmanageable stress or a mental health problem can still carry out their role to a high standard, but may need extra support. Employees who work within a culture where poor mental health is not considered a valid reason for time off will be reluctant to open up about their own problems.

“Not only is looking after staff the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense, resulting in increased productivity, morale and retention. Simple, inexpensive measures such as offering regular catch ups with managers, flexible working hours and confidential phone support can all make a huge difference to staff wellbeing.”

Dr Mark Winwood, director of clinical psychology at AXA PPP healthcare, said: “Stress and mental health issues affect one in four people on average in any given year and one in six at any given time.

“With this rate of occurrence, we need to work harder to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental ill health. Businesses are well placed to lead the way to changing this harmful prejudice by giving their employees the necessary tools and support to enable them to discuss mental health in an open and unbiased way.

“Lack of understanding breeds fear so improving employees’ awareness and understanding of mental illness is one of the most important things a company’s senior management team can do and a critical first step is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental ill health in the workplace.

“Training and supporting managers to deal with employees affected by mental ill health (including letting them know what employee assistance programmes are available) will also help to give them the confidence to provide effective support where and when it is needed.”

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