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Managers need absence management training 'on mental health issues'

Absence management training may be required to enable managers to deal more effectively with employees' mental health issues.

According to a study carried out by charity group Rethink, 59 per cent of British workers would feel uncomfortable talking to their line manager if they were suffering from a condition such as depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety.

The majority of these were concerned that disclosing this information could lead to them losing their job, while a fifth said they would be worried about their colleagues finding out.

Mike Petrook, head of communications at the Chartered Management Institute, said that there is "clearly" a need for more absence management training so that managers know how to deal effectively with such issues.

Employees should also feel able to turn to their HR department if they are suffering with mental health problems, Mr Petrook added.

"On [the] one hand … they need to have an open and honest relationship with their line manager, but on the other hand the HR team is there as a support," he said.