Bipolar UK highlights the impact of workplace stigma on employees with bipolar.
- Around 72% of those surveyed avoid jobs due to their condition, limiting opportunities.
- Famed chef Heston Blumenthal shares personal experiences with bipolar in the workplace.
- A significant portion of employees feel watched or regret disclosing their diagnosis.
- Bipolar UK’s CEO calls for better understanding and support within workplaces.
Bipolar UK has released data evidencing the negative impact of workplace stigma on employees with bipolar disorder. Around 72% of survey participants admitted to not applying for jobs due to their condition, illustrating significant missed opportunities for both employees and employers.
The renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, who has a bipolar diagnosis, openly shared his experiences, emphasising the creativity and passion often found in individuals with the disorder. He noted, ‘Businesses are missing out on skilled and passionate employees simply because they don’t understand the condition or have proper support in place.’
The findings disclose that many employees regret disclosing their bipolar condition to their employers, with 24% who had informed their workplace later regretting doing so. Additionally, 35% reported feeling overlooked for promotions due to their diagnosis.
Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, stresses the importance of combatting workplace discrimination and misunderstanding. He stated, ‘While it is illegal to discriminate against an employee with any disability, including a mental health condition, the survey reveals an alarming number of situations where discrimination has taken place post-disclosure based solely on a lack of understanding about bipolar.’
Kitchen emphasises the valuable contribution potential of individuals with bipolar, given their creativity and intellect. The stigma affects not only individuals but the broader economy, as companies miss out on utilising these talents.
Blumenthal further emphasised the need for preparedness, stating, ‘If businesses around the country were better prepared, and business owners and HR departments better understood SMI’s like bipolar, and neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, then many more like me could reach their potential adding huge amounts of value to companies across a wide variety of sectors.’
It is imperative for UK workplaces to advance their understanding and support for employees with bipolar, unlocking both individual and economic potential.
