Employers urged to act against mental health stigma at work
Posted by See Me, 5 November 2025
Scotland's employers are being encouraged to review their policies and practice around support for people with experience of poor mental health and mental illness, as research reveals that Scots with experience of mental illness are withdrawing in the world of work because of stigma and fear of discrimination.
The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Study, a first-of-its-kind piece of research for Scotland from See Me and the Mental Health Foundation, found that almost three-quarters of Scots with experience of mental illness (74 per cent) expect to be treated unfairly at work.
The anticipation is often influenced by previous negative experiences. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of those who participated in the research said that they had previously been treated unfairly at work, while seven in 10 (71 per cent) said that they had been treated unfairly by managers or supervisors. A worrying 85 per cent have stopped themselves applying for work due to stigma.
See Me, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, is calling on employers across the nation to look into their policies and practice relating to mental health – and to commit to taking action on stigma and discrimination to benefit all current and future staff.
Unlawful discrimination happens when a person is treated, because of a protected characteristic such as their mental health, in a way that disadvantages them.
Employers have a duty of care to their employees when it comes to both physical and mental health.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to explore and put in place reasonable adjustments which enable all staff to do their job and support their specific mental health needs.
If workplaces act to reduce stigma surrounding mental health problems and illness, it improves employee wellbeing, can increase productivity, reduce sickness rates and help employees return to work quicker.
The programme is encouraging employers to take up its free offer of support, advice and guidance to help address and prevent mental health stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
Lindsey Miller is Deputy Crown Agent at Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Scotland's prosecution service.
She said: “COPFS joined the See Me in Work Programme to assess the quality of mental health understanding in our workplace and gain recommendations on how we could develop this.
“With the help of ‘building blocks’ provided by See Me, and feedback from members of staff, we created a See Me in Work Improvement Plan which includes actions to tackle existing mental health stigma and discrimination.
“This has brought together representatives from different areas of the Service in a united effort to improve our workplace environment. It has opened up a conversation and raised awareness of mental health.
“It is helping us foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental wellbeing and accessing available support, while encouraging colleagues to do the same.
“Mental health stigma continues to be a huge barrier in workplaces across Scotland so making a commitment to do something about it benefits everyone – not just those managing a mental health condition.
“Our work with See Me is helping to create a stigma-free, mentally-healthy workplace for COPFS staff.
“See Me has provided us with excellent support through their communication, abundance of resources and expertise.
“We would encourage all workplaces to get involved.”
See Me in Work, which is open to employers of all sizes and industries, provides support to help organisations make a difference for colleagues, from information packs and videos to the See Me in Work Portal, a comprehensive tool for continuous improvement.
The resources are designed to help employers better their understanding of mental health at work, and what they can do to create a more supportive environment, free from discrimination.
See Me director Wendy Halliday said: “From our research and wider lived experience testimony, we know that workplaces can feel unsafe for people with experience of mental ill health.
“Negative past experiences and an anticipation of further stigma are causing people to withdraw from opportunities and pursue their work ambitions.
“We want to support every employer to create the conditions where people feel safe to disclose their mental health status. This isn’t just good for people managing mental ill health, but it also creates a safer space for everyone in the workplace.
“See Me’s suite of free resources are designed to help employers of all sizes across all sectors make sure they’re creating a safe and inclusive space where people feel able to seek help with their mental health without fear of repercussion, and ensure employers are operating in a way that is fair and free from discrimination.”