The attitudes and perceptions of employers towards people with mental health issues at the workplace

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the attitudes and perceptions held by employers towards people with mental health problems. It explores how mental illness might impair one’s employability and how it is perceived to influence work performance. A qualitative approach was adapted as it allows for an in-depth understanding of the main ideas and attitudes surrounding mental illness. Two focus groups were conducted, one amongst people involved in recruitment within the hospitality industry and the other with recruiters within a leading local NGO specialising in the provision of services for persons with mental health difficulties. The findings indicate that employers lack knowledge as to what mental health is and have various misconceptions and negative perceptions of individuals who suffer from a mental illness. Results suggest that there is a need for education about mental health, indicating a “clear gulf” (Jorm, 2000) between the attitudes held by professionals within the mental health industry and professionals in other sectors. Findings also indicate that people suffering from a mental illness seeking employment may face numerous obstacles due to these attitudes.