Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Imperfection

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword that can have both positive and negative impacts on our general wellbeing. While striving for excellence and setting high standards can lead to achievements and success, relentless perfectionism can also be detrimental to our mental and emotional health. It can create feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and stress, ultimately hindering our ability to fully enjoy life and be content with ourselves. In our pursuit of perfection, we often overlook the beauty of imperfection and fail to appreciate the uniqueness and authenticity that comes with it.

A study by UPMC shows that “perfectionism has been linked to a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several eating disorders”.

Why we should embrace our imperfections

1. Personal development: Embracing imperfections is a powerful step towards improving our overall wellbeing and achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life. It involves letting go of unrealistic expectations and accepting ourselves and others as we are, flaws and all. Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity or lack of effort, rather, it’s about recognising that perfection is an unattainable and unsustainable goal. By shifting our focus from perfection to progress and growth, we free ourselves from the constant pressure to measure up to impossible standards and allow room for mistakes, learning and personal development.


2. To ease stress and anxiety: One of the key benefits of embracing imperfection is the reduction of stress and anxiety. Perfectionists often place immense pressure on themselves to perform flawlessly in every aspect of their lives, which can lead to chronic stress and burnout. By embracing imperfection, we learn to be more forgiving and compassionate towards ourselves, recognising that mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of the human experience. This shift in mindset allows us to approach challenges with greater resilience and adaptability, knowing that failure does not define our worth or capabilities.


3. To increase self-esteem: When we learn to love our imperfections, we increase our self-acceptance and self-esteem. Perfectionists tend to be overly critical of themselves, constantly striving for unattainable levels of perfection and harshly judging any perceived flaws or shortcomings. This self-critical behaviour can erode our self-esteem and confidence, leading to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. By embracing our imperfections, we learn to appreciate and celebrate our unique qualities and quirks, as these are what make us individual and interesting.


4. To improve our relationships: When we are accepting of ourselves, we’re able to build stronger and more authentic relationships with others. Perfectionists may struggle with forming genuine connections with others due to their fear of judgment and rejection. By accepting that no-one is perfect, we create a space for vulnerability and openness in our relationships, allowing for honest communication and mutual understanding. When we let go of the need to present a perfect facade to the world, we invite others to do the same, creating deeper connections based on authenticity and acceptance.


5. We begin to live in the present moment: When we stop striving for perfection, we have a greater sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. Perfectionists often fixate on future goals and achievements, believing that happiness and fulfilment can only be attained once they reach a certain level of success or perfection. By embracing imperfection, we learn to find joy and satisfaction in the journey itself, appreciating the beauty in life's imperfections and unexpected surprises. This shift in perspective enables us to live more fully in the present moment, enjoying the simple pleasures and experiences that make life rich and meaningful.


Overcoming perfectionism and embracing our imperfections is a transformative journey towards greater wellbeing and self-acceptance. By letting go of the need for perfection and embracing our flaws and vulnerabilities, we open ourselves up to a more balanced, fulfilling and authentic way of living. In turn, this can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and form a greater sense of gratitude and joy in our lives.

How to Become More Satisfied in Your Job

'Satisfaction' means different things to different people, but many people aren’t satisfied in their jobs. Perhaps that’s because they feel have too much responsibility or not enough pay or maybe their work is mundane, and they don’t get any enjoyment from their job. According to Positive Psychology, satisfaction is what makes us prosper as individuals and makes us feel like our life is meaningful and rich.

The quality of our lives is often determined by material, emotional and physical wellbeing which makes us feel satisfied with what we have achieved, whether that be at work or in our personal lives. Because we spend so much of our lives working, if we don’t feel satisfied with our job, it can heavily impact our mental health. Many of us have busy jobs that can leave us feeling anxious or stressed and over time this can lead to depression.

Effects of feeling dissatisfied at work

There are many aspects of our work that might affect our mental health and if you are experiencing any of the following, you might need to make some changes so that you can feel more satisfied in your job.

• Boredom
• Unappreciated
• Overworked
• Resentful
• Exhausted
• Stressed and anxious
• Hopeless 

Why is it important to feel satisfied in your job?

When we don’t feel satisfied at work, it can affect our overall quality of life and wellbeing. You might believe that your life doesn’t have any meaning or purpose and you have little hope for a positive future. Because of financial or family pressures, it’s easy to become stuck in a rut at work and you fear any kind of change. But you don’t always have to go out and start looking for a new job, there are ways that you can gradually become more satisfied in your current role.

How to become more satisfied at work?

• If you are bored at work and you don’t feel challenged, ask your manager if there are any other tasks you can take on. Easing the monotony and trying something new can give you a new lease of life and increase your motivation.
• Consider what it is that you’re passionate about and see if there’s any way you can incorporate that into your daily routine at work. For example, you might have a specific cause or charity that you care about, so perhaps try organising a charity event with your work colleagues. As well as giving you something to look forward to each day, it is also a good way to strengthen working relationships.
• If money is a concern and you believe you have too much responsibility and not enough pay, ask your manager for a pay increase or if they can reduce your workload. You might be surprised at the response and just a small change could make all the difference.
• Many companies offer training courses through work so why not train in a different skill that reignites your passion and improves self-development and personal growth?
• Set yourself personal targets at work and plan a reward for when you reach certain milestones like a weekend away, dinner at a nice restaurant or a shopping trip. Having something to work towards can kick start your motivation and also give you a great sense of achievement.

Tips For Managing OCD At Work

Obsessive compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is a mental health disorder which can seriously impact a person’s life and wellbeing. A range of subjects such as cleanliness, safety in the home or outdoors, tidiness and negative thoughts can play over in the individual’s mind, causing them to act out obsessive or compulsive behaviours. These kinds of acts caused by OCD can make life extremely challenging and demanding both for the individual and the people closest to them. What we might consider simple daily tasks are exceptionally stressful to someone who suffers with the condition, especially in the workplace where they have little/less control over their environment.

Ways to cope with OCD at work

Managing the symptoms of OCD at work may at first seem overwhelming and insurmountable but there are strategies that can be put into place to help sufferers cope with their anxiety and keep their compulsive and obsessive behaviours to a minimum.

1. Recognise the triggers

If you're a manager, it's helpful if you can form a trusting relationship with your team member and one in which they can feel able to share with you the issues they have without fear of being sidelined. Gaining an understanding of what triggers the person’s anxiety and compulsive behaviours can help you assist them to either avoid or minimise certain situations. For example, if you know that a situation is arising where they might feel anxious, give them plenty of notice so they have time to practise relaxation techniques and develop strategies to deal with the possibly stressful situation.

2. Be flexible

A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety, depression and the severity of OCD symptoms. Allowing individuals with OCD time throughout their working day to exercise not only reduces tiredness and anxiety, but it can also improve cognitive function and concentration. Just short 10-minute walks each day can help ease obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. You could also consider allowing them to work from home on days when they aren’t required in the office and introducing flexible working hours.

3. Ease the pressure

Anyone with OCD may struggle daily to stick to a strict routine, especially when it comes to hitting deadlines or arriving to meetings on time, so giving them a bit of leeway could greatly reduce their feelings of anxiety.

4. Check in with them

While you don’t want to appear like you’re micro-managing or scrutinising their work, it’s also important to offer support on a regular basis to an employee with OCD. Even if this just means having a coffee and a chat to see where they’re up to with their current workload or asking them if there’s anything in particular that you can do to help, it could really take a weight off their shoulders and help them to relax a little.

5. Offer support

Over time, symptoms of OCD can gradually increase if they’re left untreated so it’s important to encourage your employee to seek professional help if it's significantly impacting on their life. OCD UK offers information and support for those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and is a good place to start when seeking support.

Further information

If you would like to know more about OCD and how to help someone with it, we have produced a booklet which you can download : 

'Understanding OCD And Learning To Live/Support Someone With It' (FREE pdf booklet)

Ways to Support Employees with Phobias

According to the NHS, “a phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation feeling, or animal. Phobias are more than pronounced fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object.” While phobias can be treated professionally, they can affect a person’s behaviour, and this may become evident at their place of work.

Phobias often cause the person to avoid certain situations and can create intense feelings of anxiety or stress, which might result in nausea, nervous trembling and headaches. It’s important for employers to be aware of any phobias that their employees might have so that they can help them to feel at ease in their job. However, it is advised that the person with a phobia seeks professional treatment if it impacts their day-to-day life or causes them extreme anxiety, distress or fear.

Types of phobias

Phobias fall under five categories, including animals; natural environment; blood, injury or medical issues; situations such as driving, flying and lifts; and others such as drowning, loud noises and choking. 

Along with some of the more common phobias which include agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) VeryWellMind has published a long list of identified phobias.

How to support an employee with a phobia

While there is professional help available for anyone with a phobia, there are certain steps an employer can take to help the employee in the meantime.

1. Show respect and don’t mock or belittle them
2. Avoid using phrases such as “get a grip” or “get over it” as this can cause the person even more anxiety.
3. Be conscious not to put them in a situation that will aggravate or intensify the phobia. For example, don’t force them to take the lift if they have claustrophobia.
4. Allow them the option of flexible home working if possible where there’s a chance they might suffer from anxiety.
5. Allow them time off if they are attending a therapy session.
6. Remove them from a situation if you can see that it’s making them feel anxious. You could also encourage them to do breathing exercises to help calm them down.
7. Create a safe work environment for them so they aren’t exposed to anything that may cause them anxiety.
8. Encourage them to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist.

If you work with someone who has a phobia, Mind has lots of useful information that offers advice and relevant contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about phobias and how to manage them in our FREE booklet, "Understanding Phobias" Download it here >

The importance of movement on mental health

Over the years, there has been ongoing research into mental health and how it is positively affected by movement and exercise. Studies have shown that not only can movement aid mental clarity, memory and concentration, but it can also help our cognitive abilities. In an article published by BMC Medicine, it also shows that reducing sedentary behaviour is possible through increasing activity, which itself is associated with a lower incidence of depression and anxiety disorders and can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in those with a disorder.

Benefits of movement on mental health

• Improved clarity, concentration and memory
• Improved mood
• Increased self-esteem
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression
• Promotes better sleep

Given the amount of time many of us spend sitting at a desk all day or absorbing ourselves in technology such as electronic games, television and social media, generations have unsurprisingly become less active. So, to ensure we keep our minds and bodies in optimum health, it’s important to step up the pace and increase the amount of exercise we undertake on a regular basis.

Tips for staying active at work

If you work in a sedentary job, there are ways that you can increase your daily movement.

• Ride or walk to work
• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Instead of emailing or calling a colleague in the same building, walk over to them 
• Suggest walking meetings outside if possible
• Make the most of your lunch break by going for a walk, bike ride or gym session
• Maximise shorter breaks to do the drinks’ run or walk on the spot while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil!
• Invest in a portable pedal exerciser that lets you keep your legs moving even when you’re sat at your desk.

Ways to stay motivated

If you don’t do regular exercise, it can often be difficult to get started, especially when it's cold outside. But there are ways that can help you become more motivated and form a healthy routine.

1. Many people find it easier to exercise with someone else so try and find yourself an exercise buddy who’ll go to the gym, swimming or take long walks with you. You’ll probably find it much more fun being with a friend and you can also encourage each other. 
2. Join a fitness class or take part in a group sport. A bit of healthy competition can be a great motivator to get yourself into shape and push yourself when you’re not feeling up to it.
3. Walking is a great way to keep moving without too much effort, and by paying close attention to the sights, sounds and scents of nature, you’re giving your mind a double workout.
4. Set yourself a goal or challenge and raise money for a charity at the same time. Once you’ve committed to the challenge and announced it to friends and family, it will make you more determined to stick to your goals.
5. Bundle a new active behaviour with something that you already enjoy doing, so for example, take a lunchtime walk while listening to your favourite blogger, audiobook, etc.

The Pros and Cons of Workplace Competition

Whether it’s to gain recognition, promotion, pay rise or work-related bonuses, competition in the workplace is almost inevitable. While for some, competition may arouse excitement, for others it can be a source of stress and anxiety. Depending on the individual, this can cause people to act in different ways. In an article published by Harvard Business Review, the research says that “when employees feel excited, they’re more likely to come up with creative solutions. When they feel anxious, they’re more likely to cut corners or sabotage one another.”

The Pros

Competition in the workplace can provide many material benefits to employees as well as having a positive impact on mental wellbeing. However, this is dependent on how the individual feels about it – do they see this as additional pressure or an opportunity to prove themselves in their role? For those who feel excited about the challenge, they may benefit from the following:

• Sense of achievement
• Increased self-confidence
• Pay increases and performance-related bonuses
• Promotion
• Respect from colleagues and management
• Increased motivation
• Improved mood
• Increased creativity

The Cons

Not all employees are going to thrive on being competitive and it could have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. These are some of the disadvantages that certain individuals might experience:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Lack of motivation
• Decreased self-confidence and self-esteem
• Unhealthy relationships with colleagues 
• Fear of failure 

10 ways to create healthy competition

To ensure that all employees can take part in healthy workplace competition without it having a negative effect on their wellbeing it’s important to do the following:

1. Make sure that employees understand what healthy competition means by offering reassurance that they will be given help to succeed and not threatened by ridicule or, even worse, job losses. 
2. Ask employees what would motivate them and offer rewards that are meaningful to them.
3. Put competition rules in place that prevent any negative behaviour such as ridicule, underhand tactics, or workplace bullying.
4. Employ management that can lead by example and demonstrate principles that promote healthy competition.
5. Recognise employees’ efforts as well as achievements as this will help maintain motivation.
6. Involve employees when setting personal achievements and agree beforehand what they should be.
7. Practice clear communication at all times and offer help when it’s needed. 
8. Hold regular performance reviews with constructive feedback as this will maintain motivation levels and promote trust.
9.  Run team building activities inside and outside of the workplace. This will strengthen bonds between employees and help prevent any animosity.
10. Encourage open discussions where employees can air their thoughts in a non-threatening environment. In a study by Gallop, it revealed that open discussions are the best way to resolve any conflicts and reduce stress and anxiety about the competition. According to the study, when employees believe that their opinion matters, it increases productivity and decreases turnover rates. 

Ways to survive your first week in a new job

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, or somewhere in between, there are certain aspects of starting a new job that can initially feel nerve-wracking. Although you might feel excited about your new role, a few niggling thoughts could be playing on your mind, such as:

• Will people like me
• Will I be able to handle the workload and meet important deadlines
• Will I have help with anything I’m unfamiliar with?

Unless you deal with the negative voices in your head, your first week in a new job could potentially affect your mental wellbeing. You might find yourself feeling more anxious or stressed than usual, your sleep patterns could be disturbed, or you may have moments of crying and feeling like you’re unable to cope with the role or it in with your colleagues. New job anxiety is not uncommon and there are ways to help.

Tips for coping with your first week in a new job

1. Remember back to when you previously started a new job and look at how you gradually adapted over time. Sometimes it does take a little while to settle in and become familiar with new procedures and new people. However, the longer you stick it out, the easier it becomes.

2. Take regular exercise. This study shows that undertaking physical activity on a regular basis can reduce feelings of anxiety by releasing endorphins, relaxing muscles, and promoting quality sleep.

3. Become familiar with workplace policies and practices. By understanding the culture and ethos of a workplace, you’re more likely to feel secure and supported.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t have the confidence initially to ask questions in meetings or group situations, ask your manager, or a colleague who you might have befriended, when they’re on their own. It’s understandable that there are going to be certain aspects of the job that you won’t know or need help with so don’t be afraid to ask.

5. Make a good impression. Dress appropriately, arrive at work on time and having a friendly demeanour. These are things that will help you to create a good first impression which, in turn, will help you to build good working relationships both with management and co-workers.

6. Be enthusiastic. While it can be frowned upon by colleagues if you seem overly keen to impress your boss, showing just the right amount of enthusiasm along with a good work ethic can earn you a lot of respect. If you’re respected at work, your first week will be less daunting.

7. Make notes. Whenever you’re being shown something new at work, keep notes about the processes to help you remember. Although you shouldn’t be afraid of asking for help, asking about the same thing multiple times could become frustrating to the person trying to help you.

8. Muck in! If everyone in the workplace shares the responsibility of doing the drink runs, washing up in the kitchen, or answering phone enquiries, for example, make sure you help out to maintain a harmonious environment.

Returning to work post lockdown

With furlough coming to an end, many people will be returning to the workplace and transitioning from working remotely post lockdown. Lockdown has affected people in many different ways, so it’s inevitable that there will be feelings of uncertainty surrounding this move back to a new normality.

Owing to the extreme fear and confusion that Covid-19 created, many people have suffered from mental health issues, which is totally understandable. Being kept away from close friends and loved ones, having to adapt to working from home or perhaps not working at all, and worrying about the consequences of catching Covid, is all a huge strain on both our mental and physical wellbeing.

How to stay healthy during the transition

Prior to returning to the workplace, it’s very likely you’re going to have some concerns, which may include:

• How clean and safe is the environment?
• Will people be social distancing?
• Will I be able to concentrate in a busier environment?
• How will I cope with a new routine?

These thoughts are quite normal but if you feel like you’re beginning to get overly concerned and it’s negatively affecting your mental wellbeing, there are things you can put in place to ease the worry and those feelings of anxiety and stress.

1. Speak with your line manager and any colleagues who have already returned to work. They should be able to reassure you of all the safety procedures that are in place.
2. Think about how going back to work will affect you regarding the commute times and the additional costs of this, and family commitments or responsibilities. If this is a concern, speak to your manager and see how they can help. They might allow for flexible working hours and have a car share or cycle-to-work scheme in place.
3. Get yourself into a good daily routine. Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Allow plenty of time to prepare yourself before you leave for work and make time for a healthy breakfast. Perhaps you could work out at the gym, go for a swim, or enjoy a morning walk. These types of exercises will boost your mental alertness and energy levels to put you in a more positive mood. A study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that “participants in randomized clinical trials of physical-activity interventions show better health outcomes, including better general and health-related quality in life, better functional capacity and better mood states.”
4. If you start to feel anxious once you’re back at work, try using a few coping methods to help you to stay calm. Practise breathing techniques or take a walk in the outdoors, both of which are great for helping you to relax, quieten the mind and focus.

If you still feel anxious, stressed or even depressed and it’s affecting your mental wellbeing, please seek professional advice.

You might also find these First Psychology resources helpful:

• Find out more and view our FREE webinar recording 'Supporting staff returning to work after lockdown' >
• Download our FREE pdf booklet 'Supporting mental health - a psychological toolkit for supporting staff returning to work after lockdown' >
• View our FREE covid19 wellbeing resources >

Ways of coping with job insecurity

In light of Covid-19, there are millions of people across the globe who will have suffered from job insecurity. Although sometimes it can be comforting to know that others are going through something similar to us, it doesn’t always resolve these unpredictable types of situation.

Whether you’re self-employed and have lost essential clients or have been furloughed by your present employer, the fear of losing your job will undoubtedly be playing on your mind. Needless to say, this ongoing anxiety and stress can affect your mental and physical wellbeing in a manner of ways. Research by the Department of Psychology at the University of Oviedo looked at the relationship between job insecurity and mental health and found that: “coping strategies play a moderating role”.

It’s natural for us humans to want a sense of security, especially when we need money to pay the bills and put food on the table, but what can we do when we feel like the rug might be pulled from underneath us at any given moment?

Ways to deal with job insecurity

1. Try to gain perspective and not overly worry before events occur. Although it’s easier said than done, by keeping a positive mindset, you will suffer less from anxiety and feel more prepared to deal with any eventuality.
2. Take time to look at your situation and imagine the worst-case scenario then start to put plans into place. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have already dealt with any negative outcomes mentally and be in a better state of mind should it occur in reality.
3. If you are still employed, up your game at work by taking on more responsibilities as this will not only make you more invaluable, but it will also keep you focused on the present moment.
4. Whether you’re currently furloughed or in still in employment, try growing your skillset. As well as making yourself more desirable for a future role if you do face unemployment, it will add more strings to your bow and make you feel more confident.
5. Don’t forget to take time out for pampering your mental and physical wellbeing. By practising activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness, you will significantly reduce your levels of stress and anxiety, which will help you cope with job insecurity.
6. Even if you’re not yet in a position where you need to seek alternative work, update your CV and keep a look out for other opportunities. This will put you ahead of the game and you will feel less helpless and desperate should you suddenly face redundancy. 

The benefits of introducing nature into the worklpace

The benefits of being surrounded by nature has been lauded by scientists and medical professionals for many years. According to the charity Mind, immersing yourself in nature can help to combat stress, anxiety, and low confidence. Any workplace setting can cause employees to experience different levels of stress, and some more so than others. Discover how introducing elements of nature into the workplace can benefit individuals, groups, and the entire workforce.

Hello green fingers, goodbye blues

A study led by Dr Masahiro Toyoda, specialist in horticultural therapy at the University of Hyogo in Japan revealed that three minute 'nature breaks' could improve the mental health of employees. These breaks would consist of simply looking at a plant and tending to the plant in an office environment. This type of break was particularly beneficial to employees that felt tired during the working day. The study used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Index (STAI) which measures levels of anxiety. It was found that employees that chose their own plant and cared for it at intervals during the day would see decreased levels of anxiety.

Natural elements in office design shown to improve quality of work

It isn’t just the introduction of real plants that can help employees to relax and perform better, and research featured in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that images of nature also have an impact. In a study entitled '40-Second Green Roof Views Austain Attention: The Role of Micro-Breaks in Attention Restoration', the results of viewing two different types of image showed significant findings. Participants of the study were shown either city rooftop scenes of over-flowing plants and greenery, or images of bare city rooftops and were then asked to complete a task. The participants that viewed the green scenes made less mistakes and responded better to the demands of the task than those that were only exposed to the concrete roofs. It’s thought that by including nature scenes, either on television screens in offices, or in permanent décor such as 'living walls', employees experience an increased positive response to tasks.

The sounds of success

The sounds of nature, such as rainforests and rippling streams, have long been used to help people fall asleep, but what if these types of sounds not only help you feel relaxed, but can improve the quality of your work? Apparently, it isn’t only the sight of nature that can improve productivity and mood, but according to researchers, the sounds of nature have also been shown to result in a better work environment. According to Science Daily, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York believe that the sound of a mountain stream in offices can elevate mood and productivity. Installing water features in offices or playing the soothing sounds of lapping waves or flowing streams could be a wise move for employers wanting a calmer work environment.

What is your working environment like? Could you introduce any images or sounds of nature?

Ways to tackle sexual discrimination at work

Even though there is legislation in place to prevent sexual discrimination in the workplace, unfortunately, there are still many cases where this occurs. Sexual discrimination comes in many different forms and can affect both men and women. In many instances, it is considered to be harassment, victimisation and bullying. This kind of behaviour can be extremely upsetting to the person involved and can have a negative and detrimental effect on their mental wellbeing.

As an employer or employee, it’s important to recognise when sexual discrimination occurs, deal with it appropriately and put systems into place that will prevent it from happening in the future.

What is sexual discrimination?

Although it may come under many different guises, here are some examples of the types of sexual discrimination you might experience at work.

• Different rates of pay for male and females doing the same job.
• Employing someone based purely on their sex.
• Being made to wear specific clothing that is associated with being male or female. For example, if women are made to wear skirts and heeled shoes at work.
• Being made redundant or dismissed because of your sex.
• Training or specific roles within the company only being offered to one sex.
• Refusing flexible working hours to enable a parent to take their child to school.
• Comments about someone’s appearance.
• Sexist remarks or jokes.
• Sexual harassment such as inappropriate physical advances or verbal suggestive remarks, and offensive comments related to a person’s sex.

The Independent reported on a recent study undertaken by researchers from the University College of London, that women who have been subjected to sexual discrimination are more likely to suffer from depression as a result, and 26% reported psychological distress.

As an employee experiencing sexual discrimination, it is important to tackle the issue either directly with the person involved, your boss, or a member of the company’s HR team. We understand this may seem like a daunting subject to broach and you might be worried about the consequences, however, Citizens Advice can provide you with further guidance.

Ways to deal with sexual discrimination

• Keep a record of any incidents, making sure you document the date and specific behaviour or comments.
• Make the person involved aware that you find their comments or behaviour offensive, it makes you feel uncomfortable and you would like them to stop.
• Speak to someone in HR or someone in authority at work. 
• Get advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice.

If the sexual discrimination continues or is not dealt with, you may have to seek legal advice.

As an employer, it is vital that you put procedures into place to prevent sexual discrimination in the workplace. You can also get further information and advice from ACAS about how to prevent sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation.

Helping people who are depressed or with other mental health issues as a result of discrimination

Providing an opportunity for employees impacted by discrimination to talk to a trained therapist about their experiences and feelings, can help them continue to work, or get back to work as soon as possible. 

First Psychology Assistance provides a range of services for organisations and businesses including online counselling and psychological therapy. For further details visit our website. We also provide bespoke and off the shelf training solutions to support mental health at work.