Well over half of HR professionals in the UK (52%) regularly engage with their staff to gain an insight into their mental wellbeing, research by PMI Health Group has revealed.

The research also went onto highlight that 78% of HR professionals hold an informal discussion with an employee if they suspect they might be suffering mental health problems.  This is in stark contrast with only seven per cent do nothing and wait to be approached by the employee.

HR professionals are making the most of the many tools that are now available to support employees with mental health issues. Forty-three% direct employees towards a counselling helpline, 37% refer them to an occupational health service, 27% advise them to visit their GP and 21% ask their colleagues to keep an eye on them.

Only one in five (21%) HR professionals still don’t offer staff access to the necessary treatment and support services (such as counselling or an Employee Assistance Programme) to address mental health problems.

More than half (56%) of respondents, however, claimed management in their company were not offered any training or advice on techniques designed to reduce workplace stress, such as adopting an accessible approach, engaging and empowering staff.