Employers are being encouraged to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, following the launch of new guidance released by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

With reports suggesting the cost of working days lost to mental ill health in Northern Ireland could be as much as £125 million a year, HSENI has said implementing simple measures to address workplace mental health will not only benefit employees but will also help employers reduce sickness absences and staff turnover leading to increased productivity and performance.

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In launching the guidance, Professor Peter McKie, Chairman of HSENI said: "Generally it is clear how we can go about providing for safety within the workplace. However some organisations find real difficulties in recognising work-related stress and supporting the promotion of mental wellbeing. Employers should recognise the early warning signs of work related mental health conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety and take appropriate measures to build healthier, more resilient workplaces. This has to be a priority not only for HSENI but for all employing bodies, be they in the public or private sector."

Peter Aiken, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, added: "There are many benefits from promoting mental wellbeing and addressing work-related stress. These include improved morale and staff well-being, organizational efficiency, customer service, improvements in sickness absence and staff retention never mind competitiveness and innovation.

"This mental wellbeing guidance produced by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland will support organisations in doing this."

(NS/GK)