The City Mental Health Alliance has recently a detailed report on Mental Health and Race at Work in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group and YouGov.
Key Findings
It was reported that 45% of black, 26% East Asian, 23% South Asian and 24% of mixed-race respondents had experienced racism at work. Of those who had, 65% of black, 59% of Asian and 48% of mixed-race respondents said that it had negatively affected their mental health.
Those from black or minority ethnic backgrounds are therefore more likely to feel less included in the workplace. Further, the pandemic has intensified the mental health gap due to being more likely to have experienced a bereavement or have severe financial issues.
The report also found that culturally it was less acceptable to discuss mental health within the community particularly in South and East Asian respondents.
Half of the respondents outlined that their employers were supportive when they had reported a mental health issue.
What are the recommendations for businesses?
The report suggests that businesses should look at five key areas to support the mental health of any black or minority ethnic employees. These include:
- Recognise the challenges faced by those from these backgrounds.
- Promotion of inclusion; and actively and outwardly be anti-racist.
- Ensure that the workplace promotes health and wellbeing.
- Ensure that a senior member of staff takes responsibility for health and inclusion.
- Implement measures and be transparent alongside this.
If you need help drafting policies or guidance on implementing these policies, our team can help. Contact us today to speak to one of our experts.
How can we support you?
If you have experienced racism at work or have had no support for your reported mental health issues, you may have recourse.
If you believe that your employer has either subjected you to or not suitably resolved, racist conduct in the workplace, you may be able to bring a claim. In these circumstances you have three months from the incident to raise a discrimination claim against your employer. If you feel you need advice in relation to a discrimination claim you can find more information here and contact us today.