15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition according to the Mental Health Foundation.  Furthermore, their research says in recent years around 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety; and mental health was cited in the top 5 most common reasons for workplace absence.

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is ‘workplace mental health’ highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.

Mental health in the workplace

Many people spend a lot of time working, whether that’s in the community, in an office, a factory, at home, or many other workplaces.  Work can have a huge impact on our mental health.  For example, work can:

• gives us a sense of purpose
• boost our self-worth
• provides opportunities to connect with others

But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing our worsening mental health problems. Which is why it’s important that workplaces support employee mental health.

Click here for tips and advice on supporting mental health at work by the Mental Health Foundation

Counselling for employees

Employees may seek counselling or therapy at times of change in the workplace or as a result of difficulties in performing their individual role, for example.  They may also need some help working through issues in their personal life which can affect their performance at work.  It can be reassuring to know you have somewhere to turn when you need support.  Speaking to a counsellor or therapist about the problem can feel like a huge step forward. 

Many employers provide access to counselling for their employees through their Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).  Employers who choose to work with HDS will be able to provide their staff with access to HDS counsellors who can assist with a wide range of issues such as stress and anxiety, depression, bereavement or trauma related issues, for example.  Our counsellors and therapists have broad experience of working with employees in the public, private and third sectors across Scotland.

Employers seeking counselling services for their staff

HDS works with organisations, large and small, to offer counselling and psychotherapy as part of their Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). 

Our counsellors and therapists have broad experience of working with employees in the public, private and third sectors across Scotland. 

Some of our counselling and therapeutic services operate in Glasgow city centre where we have a dedicated counselling room. 

If you are an employer seeking counselling services for your staff, contact HDS today.

Click here to find out more about our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) counselling service