New data released today by charity Bipolar UK reveals that stigma around bipolar in the workplace is limiting employee potential and even driving thousands of talented people away from work, losing the creativity and drive commonly associated with the condition.
The survey found that poor workplace culture limits work opportunities for anyone living with bipolar, with almost three quarters of respondents (72%) not applying for a particular job because of their bipolar; and 44% not applying for a promotion for the same reason.
It also suggested that 60% of those with a bipolar diagnosis are employed or self-employed, with over 10% out of work – double the national average.
Of the 1000+ people surveyed, 57% reported “a lack of understanding” around bipolar as a barrier to thriving in the workplace.
Bipolar UK has recently joined forces with world renowned chef Heston Blumenthal OBE, to challenge employers to better understand and support those with bipolar or a neurodiversity.
Heston, who recently received his own bipolar diagnosis, added; “Businesses are missing out on skilled and passionate employees simply because they don’t understand the condition or have proper support in place.
“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.”
However, it is thought that few employers are adequately prepared for an employee living with a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) like bipolar.
The research also revealed that 24% have not told their employer about their diagnosis; and 24% of those who had disclosed it, regretted their decision.
One employee diagnosed with bipolar, who wished to remain anonymous, said; “When I told them [my employer], I felt they were watching me a lot more, and if I was ever feeling annoyed or just having a generally bad day, I would get comments.”
Just over one-third (35%) felt overlooked for promotion due to disclosing their diagnosis.
Commenting on the findings, CEO of Bipolar UK, Simon Kitchen, said: “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.
“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.
“There is a common misconception that people living with bipolar are unable to or don’t want to work, but many have a huge amount to offer to employers and the UK economy as a whole.”
“People with bipolar bring many qualities into the workplace including creativity, intellect 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 the wider teams and society in general.”
It is estimated that there are over a million people in the UK living with bipolar. That’s 1 in every 50 people.
Heston Blumenthal added; “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.”
Simon Kitchen, Bipolar UK CEO added; “We work with such a talented community, however until we challenge stigma in the workplace, the bipolar community, employers and the UK economy are missing out.”
Bipolar UK runs workplace training courses for any business to improve understanding about the condition and how to support colleagues living with bipolar. They also have a free 20-minute e-learning course.