Nine out of ten employers have been impacted by employee mental health challenges, according to a recent poll by JVP Group.

The survey was conducted at JVP’s recent HR seminars in North Wales and Chester, where over 65 employers in attendance gave their responses on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The poll also found that 48% thought their organisation's current approach to employee mental health and wellbeing was average or poor, with 91% focusing on improving support for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace over the next year.

Research by the Mental Health Foundation has found that 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace, and that by offering better support UK businesses could save up to £8 billion per year.

Cath Harrison, Managing Director of Bodelwyddan based recruitment marketing specialists JVP Group, said:

“To see so many organisations of all sizes and industries attending our events and placing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace high on the agenda is encouraging.

“Research has found that one in three sick notes now relate to mental health, so if businesses want to look after their employees, in turn reducing absence and improving productivity, it’s vital that employers start looking at their workplace wellbeing strategy and delivery.

“Focusing on wellbeing and mental health support has its benefits when it comes to recruitment and attracting the best talent. As a recruitment marketing company, JVP Group work with a wide range of businesses across the UK to support their talent attraction strategies and promote their vacancies online, and we’re aware that it’s a candidate driven market out there for many sectors and disciplines.

“The culture and mental health policies of a potential employer are key factors for potential applicants when considering a career move, so to attract the best, businesses should effectively communicate their approach to these areas throughout the talent attraction and recruitment process.”