New data from a UK bipolar disorder survey reveals that almost a third (32%) of people with bipolar disorder have experienced discrimination in the workplace and a quarter have chosen to keep their condition private. The survey, which involved more than 1,000 people, highlighted common issues such as stigma, insensitivity, misconceptions and even job loss.
Bipolar UK has teamed up with chef Heston Blumenthal to change perceptions in the workplace and reduce stigma. An independent survey commissioned by Heston found that 47% of people with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or neurodiversities such as ADHD found it more difficult to get a job, and 52% found the recruitment process more difficult. Heston, who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017 and recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said:
“Although there are difficult days, I would attribute some of my most creative moments to bipolar disorder. Creativity and perfectionism are two common traits of those living with this illness.”
Over one million people in the UK are living with bipolar disorder, with an employment rate of 40-60%, significantly lower than the 74% of the general population. The Bipolar UK survey found that almost a quarter of people working with bipolar disorder do not disclose their condition to employers or colleagues due to “fear of stigma”. 57% of respondents reported a lack of understanding from employers and colleagues, while 44% cited stigma and preconceived notions as problems. One respondent shared:
“I don’t want to tell anyone at work that I have bipolar disorder because people have ideas about what it’s like to live with mental illness, but often they have no idea. I don’t want anyone to judge me or make assumptions about what I might need.”
Furthermore, 24% of those who had disclosed their status to their employer regretted it, citing unfair treatment, insensitivity, breach of confidentiality, negative impacts on career progression and even job loss. Simon Kitchen, chief executive 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 disorder do and do not need at work. It is vitally important that employers and HR teams recognise and address these barriers effectively and recognise the need for more nuanced approaches to fostering supportive work environments for employees who choose to share that they have bipolar disorder.”
She added: “There is a widespread misconception that people living with bipolar disorder are unable or unwilling to work, but only 6% of respondents said they were neither in work nor looking for work. Many are not offered the opportunity to fulfil their potential or given the support they need to thrive. People with bipolar disorder bring many qualities to the workplace, including creativity, intelligence and empathy. By recognising and valuing individual differences and contributions, all staff can use their talents and resources to maximise efficiency. Creating the right culture and conditions benefits not only people with bipolar disorder, but teams in general and society at large.”
The survey suggests several reasonable adjustments that can help manage bipolar disorder in the workplace, such as flexible working hours, time for medical appointments and support for post-episode recovery. Simon Kitchen stressed:
“The benefits of empowering people with bipolar disorder are enormous – for the individual, their family, employers, the NHS and the Treasury. The charity has worked with, and continues to work with, literally thousands of people with bipolar disorder who are working successfully in many different fields including law, retail, finance, media, IT, the third sector and the creative arts. Creating bipolar-friendly workplaces benefits individuals and workplaces, and society and the wider economy.”
Bipolar UK offers workplace training courses and A free 20-minute e-learning course to improve understanding and support for colleagues living with bipolar disorder.
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