How can employers support staff with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by dramatic shifts in mood, ranging from episodes of high energy to periods of severe depression. While many people with the condition thrive in the workplace, discrimination and stigma remain widespread. A 2024 Bipolar UK survey found that 44% of respondents had encountered prejudice at work, with almost one-third experiencing direct discrimination.

The human cost

Personal accounts show the damage caused by these barriers; for example, workers have been denied promotions or lost jobs after hospitalisation. Such experiences can make employees reluctant to disclose their diagnosis, with nearly one-quarter keeping it hidden.

The employer’s role

The Bipolar Commission urges employers to introduce practical changes, including flexible working, hybrid arrangements, and time off for medical appointments. Managers can play a role in creating a more compassionate environment by educating themselves about the trauma associated with bipolar disorder and its possible solutions.

Raising awareness

Effective initiatives can be found all over the UK; for example, mental health training courses in Plymouth have been so well subscribed that the city now has some 5,000 people qualified in trauma care. Providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth are playing a prominent role in bringing about a change in attitude and approach.

High-profile public figures have joined the campaign. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, who was diagnosed in 2023, has called on businesses to value the creativity and empathy often associated with bipolar.

By educating staff, destigmatising bipolar, and offering flexibility, employers can not only improve the lives of sufferers but also develop talent and promote employee loyalty.