Workplace Research Monthly

Manager mental health knowledge can reduce stigma around depression

People living with common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders often experience stigma in the workplace.

Managers play a key role in breaking down stigma, and ensuring a person receives appropriate support at work.

A survey of over 3,000 managers across a range of sectors investigated their knowledge of common mental health issues and attitudes towards employee depression. It also looked at how the managers gained their knowledge.

Managers were less likely to stigmatise depression if they had an understanding of common mental health issues gained through medical training, or their own professional or personal experiences.

The study concludes that specific knowledge and understanding may help in tackling stigma towards common mental health issues in the workplace, and that organisations should build managers’ capability through training and the use of experience-based knowledge.

Read more