Pixabay Images

Pixabay Images

Reported mental health issues in the workplace have risen 56 per cent in the past year, and almost half of companies in a major survey say at least one employee has committed suicide or been at risk of doing so, according to a new report.

Eighty-one per cent of the company representatives responding to the survey said they spent up to 25 per cent of their time managing staff with mental health issues. Depression and anxiety were the most common illnesses reported.

Of the companies surveyed, 44 per cent said that someone on their staff had either committed suicide or attempted to commit suicide in the previous two years. But 74 per cent of organisations said they lack formal and specific mental health policies or procedures.

– Lucille Keen

Read more: Mental health at work a challenge for managers