Employers in financial services should act to retain talent in the industry as new findings from MHFA England highlight the impact of poor mental health. 83% of finance sector employees have considered changing jobs due to the impact of work on their mental health, with nearly half of those taking the plunge.
What’s more, the new data from 1,000 people working in financial services shows employees feel they need more support, with 60% stating their employer could do more on workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Despite progress on tackling the stigma over recent years, more organisations must act to normalise conversations around mental health, as one in four employees said they are not comfortable discussing it with their manager. One in four also cited a lack of managerial support and one in five pointed to company culture as key factors negatively affecting their mental health.
Adding to these pressures is the current economic uncertainty, with half of finance employees stating the cost-of-living is the biggest threat to their mental health over the next six months.
MHFA England is encouraging financial services employers to review their approach to mental health and wellbeing so both their people and their business can thrive. It believes a whole organisation approach is required and managers need to be at the heart of any change to create inclusive working environments where everyone feels psychologically safe to perform at their best.
One way that organisations can better support their teams is to consider offering improved flexibility, with 41% of financial services employees saying flexible working hours would improve their mental health. Over a third (35%) also feel a choice over when and where they work, at home or in the office, would help.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataProviding consultancy and workplace mental health expertise to over 20,000 organisations, including many in the finance sector, MHFA England has a wealth of experience in supporting organisations to develop sustainable mental health and wellbeing strategies, designed to support performance and productivity.
Giving managers the time, tools and training to do their job well has the potential to transform workplace culture and a third of those surveyed agreed that tailored training for employees or managers would better support mental health at work.
AAT director of professional standards and policy, Adam Harper, said: “We know from the feedback our members share with us that mental health and wellbeing is a live issue for accountants and finance professionals. The results from the MHFA England survey further reinforce what our membership has been telling us.
“At AAT we are committed to supporting our membership community and the wider profession, as well as our own staff, in managing their mental health and wellbeing, with AAT employees and AAT members themselves sharing their experiences. We fully support the way that MHFA England supports businesses in developing wellbeing strategies that create a positive workplace culture and deliver tangible benefits.”
MHFA England workplace lead, Vicki Cockman, added: “Our research shows the clear link between mental health and talent retention. Employers should act now to identify their organisation’s needs and put the right provision in place to create a healthy culture for staff. Acting early will help to prevent a deepening talent crisis.
“Managers have a clear role to play. They are one of the most influential factors on team culture, people’s wellbeing and business performance. Managers need to feel confident and empowered to drive positive wellbeing across their teams. It is time to give them the training and support they need.
“The cost of living crisis and the threat of recession will put a further strain on employee mental health and may put a further squeeze on the sector’s talent pool. A focus on people’s mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever if businesses are to support their people, boost productivity and maintain their bottom line.”
UK Finance managing director of membership and strategic partnerships, Julie Carruthers, concluded: “Mental wellbeing is a key issue and something UK Finance and the wider banking and finance sector takes very seriously. Mental Health First Aid England does fantastic work in this area and has set out some important ideas for improving employees’ mental health through greater managerial support and flexibility.
“This is something that isn’t always easy to talk about in the workplace and ensuring more people feel comfortable asking for help and speaking about this issue will really benefit those who are struggling.”
