Blogpost 8: Speak up! Equality Act!

How would you approach your friend that has a fever and cold? Are you going to be, Eww go home you’re sick, you might infect someone or Are you okay question: the most redundant thing you’ll ever heard. Now think of this: if you are now in a workplace let’s say you’re the manager or supervisor or head of something, how would be your approach to your employee that was diagnose with mental illness. Come on now, don’t be such a hypocrite, I know you’ll say “I’ll treat him like my regular employee” and then be very awkward around them and challenged their capabilities. Those scenarios are the reason why there people with mental illness decided to conceal their illness.

In fact, according to an article I’ve read “Mental health problems still a workplace stigma” in theguardian.com written by Philip Landau. It said in a survey conducted by Friends Life there about 40% from 2000 respondents from cross-section industries have experienced mental health problem and did not told their employer.

He also said that “Whether or not you decide to tell your employer of your mental illness is always going to be personal decision, especially as a mental health issue will not always be as immediately apparent as a physical one.”

Because of the stigma in mental illness, employees are hesitant to undergo a treatment out fear that they might imperil their jobs and at the same time their employers don’t even know how to handle that kind of situation.

In another article I’ve read entitled “Mental Health Prejudice Rife in Workplace” in huffingtonpost.co.uk written by Dr. Paul Zollinger-Read he said that nearly half of UK leaders try to ignore the situation. The employers or managers thought they were helping their employees. But said they were never been asked about their mental illness and they don’t feel opening up about it.

He also stated that “The main thing I take from all of this is that employees are being reduced to being defined by their condition rather than their skills, experience and expertise. These don't disappear because of a mental health problem, much like they wouldn't if you broke your leg.”

It’s not like the mental illness hinders a person from doing their job. Their skills and capabilities will stay with them despite how severe the illness is. Leaders value too much the importance of a healthy team that they don’t recognize the situation of his employees suffering from mental illness. If they really want healthy workers they should pay more attention not only the physical well-being but also to the mental well-being. That is why they are leaders they have to show a good example so their subordinate will follow as well.