Bupa has grown its partnership with digital mental health services provider SilverCloud to increase access to its platform for corporate members.
Research from Bupa and Business in the Community found employees are remaining silent about their mental health at work during the pandemic, despite the fact working has been a contributing factor.
The study of 3,614 employees revealed just 14% of workers disclosed to their manager they were suffering from a mental health issue.
A third (30%) of people who have experienced work-related mental ill-health have told no one, with men significantly more likely to keep their condition a secret (35%) compared with women (26%).
The healthcare group is expanding access to SilverCloud’s services for its corporate customers through its online customer portal, Bupa Touch.
‘Although mental health has come to the fore during the global pandemic, and addressing these issues is a priority for many businesses, the research shows that a good number of employees feel uncomfortable turning to their manager for help,’ said Mark Allan, commercial director at Bupa UK Insurance.
‘Whilst businesses around the country are focused on creating cultures that are open about mental health it can be difficult for workers, especially when working remotely, to have these kinds of complex conversations. SilverCloud offers a digital route for these employees to seek mental health support and take further action, if needed.’
Lloyd Humphreys, head of Europe at SilverCloud, added: ‘It has been well known, even before the pandemic, that mental health and wellbeing is one of the most important areas to address for employers.
‘With the continuing impact of Covid it has now become a critical need. As such, we are delighted to support Bupa expand access to the SilverCloud platform to get evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support into as many hands as possible.’
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