The majority of HR professionals are now regularly engaging with employees to gain an insight into their mental wellbeing, a survey for PMI Health Group has found.
The survey also found that 78% of HR professionals hold informal discussions with employees if they suspect they might be suffering mental health problems, while only 7% did nothing and waited for employees to approach them.
Tools available to help mental health professionals are being used, 43% of HR staff directed employees to a counselling helpline, while 37% referred them to an occupational health service.
Other tools used included advising staff to visit their GP, used by 27% of HR staff surveyed, while 21% of HR staff asked colleagues to keep an eye on those with mental health issues.
Of those surveyed 21% didn't offer staff access to treatment and support services to address mental health problems, such as counselling or an employee assistance programme.
Management were not offered training or advice on techniques to reduce workplace stress at the workplaces of 56% of respondents.
Mike Blake, director at PMI Health Group, said: "The old stigmas about mental health are finally beginning to fade as employers realise that a sit back and wait approach to such issues is no longer an option."
"Being proactive and making regular checks on employees' emotional, as well as physical, health should be an important part of every employee wellbeing policy and can have a huge impact on how long the condition lasts."
