Managing an ongoing illness while at work
Most people who have ongoing mental health conditions can continue to work successfully without, or with, only minimal support.
Where someone needs support, this section discusses how managers and employees can work together to ensure that it is flexible to suit varying health needs.
It is discriminatory to make assumptions about people’s capabilities, their potential for promotion or the amount of sick leave they are likely to need, on the basis of their condition. People with mental health conditions should be treated in exactly the same way as any other member of staff unless they ask for help or demonstrate clear signs through their performance or behaviour that help is needed.
Using regular management processes to monitor needs
If a person has experienced a period of sickness absence and re-entry to work, you should discuss the format of their return to work and integration back into their job in advance of any return date. A documented plan can be valuable. You both might want to agree how you can identify when the member of staff has reached the stage of ‘business as usual’. At this point, the most appropriate response is to use normal management processes to review their performance, needs and work planning.Advance statements
As previously explained in the section on talking at an early stage it is best practice for an employee to draw up an advance statement.Coping strategies
Most individuals are encouraged to develop coping strategies as part of their care. This often involves noting signs of a possible relapse and taking pre-emptive action to avoid it.For example, cutting down on work or social activity, being careful about drinking alcohol, taking exercise and finding time to relax.
It is important you support the employee at this first warning stage. Small and inexpensive adjustments may well prevent a more costly period of illness.
"My manic depression has, on average, meant that every two years I'm away for about four weeks."
"I know when I am becoming ill and can make arrangements so that my absence does not cause undue disruption at work."
Rachel Perkins, Clinical Director, Adult Mental Health Services, South West London and St George's NHS Trust
Supported work projects
There are many projects around the country that offer support both to employees who have experienced mental health conditions and to employers. These projects have excellent success records in placing people in employment and in supporting them to be effective employees in the long term. In fact many people require only minimal support once they have been given the opportunity to work. They are also useful points of contact.You may wish to advertise a post through your local supported work project or you can contact them for advice. People should find information on supported work schemes from the Disability Employment Advisor at their local Jobcentre Plus.
Additional material
Extra materials for employersExtra materials for employees
Links to other organisations, documents and resources
