Flexible Working and Mental Health

Flexible working and studying plays a key role in managing mymental health. Living with, and managing mental health challenges, is of itself a full-time job. I have to work hard each day to balance all the things I need to do, with making sure my mental health stays stable. Being self-aware, noticing and nipping negative thoughts in the bud, monitoring my anxiety, encouraging myself to sit with it, but not too long as to avoid a two day burn out. These are just a few of the things I have to do on a daily basis to stay well. Trying to do this around a set work or study schedule, is impossible and has caused me to fail many times. 

There have been many conversations in the media about mental health and employment this week. Employers are being encouraged to view mental health issues equally to physical ones. Could flexible working provide better support for people like myself  with mental health challenges?

Is a flexible approach to working and study the answer?

Recently, The Open University commissioned a consumer poll. Key findings were that many people feel unable to commit to a schedule due to mental health issues. Worryingly, people also expressed concern at not being able to ask for flexible working. They were also denied time away for appointments. On World Mental Health Day, I teamed up with Anna Richardson. Together, we spent the day discussing mental health with radio presenters, about how we feel flexible working may help.

Why is flexibility important?

1 in 5 say their mental health makes it difficult to manage a rigid schedule

Open University Consumer Poll 2018

I can relate to the findings of the poll. In 2007, when I had my mental health breakdown, I had to leave University. Constant panic attacks made it impossible to attend lectures.  When I began my recovery in 2010, I decided I wanted to return to study. However,  I knew I would not be able to return to University without putting my health at risk. Thanks to discovering The Open University, I realized that distance learning was the perfect solution.  With the OU, I could study from home in my own time, and keep my recovery as the central focus of my life.

Needing flexibility is not a sign of laziness

1 in 5 people worry that they will come across as lazy if they ask for flexible arrangements

Open University Consumer Poll 2018

Far from being lazy, without the additional stress of having to attend at set hours, I was able to be more productive. In studying flexibly, I also learned something surprising. I did not have to put my life on hold until I was free of mental health challenges. With flexible circumstances, I could succeed despite my problems. I discovered I was capable and intelligent. Because of this my confidence and self-esteem are now much improved.

Resistance to flexible working

Only 6% of people had the support of their employer or college when trying to manage their illness and balance other commitments

The Open University Consumer Poll 2018

Denying flexible working sends the message that mental health is less important than physical health. This resistance is the main thing holding me back from finding paid work.  I need to put my well-being first. For example, being able to work from home if I am anxious or being able to take time off for medical appointments. Without these provisions, I put my health at risk.

Next steps for employers in helping those with mental health challenges

This week, The Global Health Summit is asking what the world needs for better mental health. I believe that the answer to this is a cultural shift in how we work and study. Granting flexible working arrangements would enable us to return to study or employment. It would also help us to avoid ill-health and be more productive. Additionally, granting flexible arrangements would demonstrate that employers take mental health seriously. This would help to address the stigma and finally put mental and physical health on equal footing.