On World Mental Health Day, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging employers to address the increasing levels of work-related stress reported across the UK economy.

The HSE’s Working Minds campaign, which focuses on work-related stress and mental health, has welcomed three new partners from the entertainment and leisure sector. This industry, characterised by its fast pace, unpredictability, and high proportion of self-employed and freelance workers, often entails long and unsociable hours. A survey conducted by the Film and TV Charity revealed that only 11% of respondents considered the industry mentally healthy.

The Mark Milsome Foundation, The Association of British Theatre Technicians, and The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers, and Attractions will join 23 existing Working Minds partners from various sectors to raise awareness of available support and campaign messages.

Under UK law, all employers are required to prevent work-related stress and promote good mental health in the workplace. Regardless of their size or type, employers have a legal duty to assess and address health and safety risks related to stress and mental health. Measures should be implemented to prevent stress and support employees’ mental well-being.

While awareness and acceptance of stress and mental health issues may be increasing, action, particularly in terms of prevention, remains lacking. Stress, depression, and anxiety are currently the leading causes of work-related ill-health in Great Britain.

Elizabeth Goodwill, head of the work-related stress and mental health policy team at HSE, emphasised the importance of routine actions in addressing stress and mental health issues in the workplace. Employers should regularly check in with individuals and teams to understand the pressures they face and take actions to prevent and address them. Common issues include workload pressures, tight deadlines, excessive responsibilities, and lack of managerial support. Employers can make a difference by implementing simple measures such as regular catch-ups to discuss workload and sharing responsibilities or assisting in prioritising work and deadlines.

For guidance on managing workplace stress and initiating conversations about it, employers can refer to the HSE’s Working Minds campaign.

Samantha Wainstein, Chair of The Mark Milsome Foundation, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to making film and TV sets safe for all cast and crew by advocating for better health and safety practices across the industry.

Mig Burgess, Co-Chair of The Association of British Theatre Technicians, expressed their delight at joining the Working Minds campaign, emphasising their commitment to promoting well-being and mental health in the workplace.

Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers, and Attractions, stressed the importance of mental health as a top priority for the industry, particularly after a challenging period for both staff and customers. The association aims to provide its members with the necessary information, resources, and tools to support their teams effectively.