Research Finds Workplace Discrimination Prevalent Among Those with Bipolar Disorder

New knowledge from a Bipolar UK survey reveals that just about a 3rd (32%) of individuals with bipolar dysfunction have confronted office discrimination, with 1 / 4 selecting to maintain their situation non-public. The survey, involving over 1,000 members, highlighted widespread points like stigma, insensitivity, misconceptions, and even job loss.

Bipolar UK has partnered with chef Heston Blumenthal to alter office perceptions and cut back stigma. A separate survey commissioned by Heston discovered that 47% of these with psychological well being situations like bipolar or neurodiversities like ADHD struggled extra to get a job, and 52% discovered the recruitment course of more durable. Heston, recognized with ADHD in 2017 and not too long ago with bipolar, stated,

“Although there are tough days, I would attribute some of my most creative moments to bipolar. Creativity and perfectionism are two common traits for those who live with the condition.”

Over 1,000,000 folks within the UK reside with bipolar, with an employment price of 40-60%, considerably decrease than the final inhabitants’s 74%. The Bipolar UK survey discovered that nearly 1 / 4 of working people with bipolar don’t disclose their situation to employers or colleagues on account of “fear of stigma.” A lack of knowledge from employers and colleagues was reported by 57% of respondents, whereas 44% cited stigma and preconceived notions as points. One respondent shared,

“I don’t want to tell anyone at work that I have bipolar because people have ideas about what it’s like living with mental illness, but they often don’t have a clue. I don’t want anyone to judge me, or to make any assumptions about what I might need.”

Additionally, 24% of those that had disclosed their situation to their employer regretted it, citing unfair therapy, insensitivity, damaged confidentiality, adverse impacts on profession development, and even job loss. Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, commented,

“While it is illegal to discriminate against an employee with any disability, including a mental health condition, the survey reveals an alarming lack of understanding about what people living with bipolar do and don’t need at work. It is vitally important that employers and HR teams recognise and address these barriers effectively and acknowledge the need for more nuanced approaches in fostering supportive workplace environments for employees who choose to share that they have bipolar.”

He additional added, “There is a common misconception that people living with bipolar are unable to or don’t want to work, but only 6% of survey respondents said they were out of work and not looking for work. Many of them aren’t offered the opportunity to fulfil their potential or given the support they need to thrive. People with bipolar bring many qualities into the workplace including creativity, intelligence and empathy. If individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued, this allows all staff to use their talents and resources to maximise efficiency. Creating the right culture and conditions doesn’t only benefit individuals with bipolar, but wider teams and society in general.”

The survey suggests a number of cheap changes that may assist handle bipolar within the office, resembling versatile work schedules, time for medical appointments, and post-episode restoration assist. Simon Kitchen emphasised,

“The benefits of empowering people with bipolar are enormous, for the individual, their family, employers, the NHS and the Exchequer. The charity has worked with – and continues to work with – literally thousands of people with bipolar who are working successfully in many different fields, including law, retail, finance, media, IT, third sector and the creative arts. Building bipolar-friendly workplaces benefits individual people and workplaces, and society and the economy in general.”

Bipolar UK affords office coaching programs and a free 20-minute e-learning course to enhance understanding and assist for colleagues dwelling with bipolar.