WORKERS in Wiltshire have experienced such high levels of loneliness in the workplace that they have left their job, according to figures released by mental health charity Mind.

A quarter of workers in the South West quit a job because of loneliness and 45 per cent feel that their company is not doing enough to tackle loneliness at work.

Mental health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK and costs an average of £1,035 per employee per year.

Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at Mind said “Staying silent is one of the worst things people in difficulty can do. Opening up to a colleague about how they’re feeling can help them feel more relaxed about chatting to a manager."

In response to increasing concerns about mental health, Mental Health Champions are being trained to spot signs and help other workers to tackle mental illness.

As part of the Wiltshire Council Public Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the council and clinical commissioning group has pledged to decrease stigma related to mental health and launch an information pack to be given out to workplaces.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “Making sure people’s mental wellbeing is supported while they are at work can make a huge difference to their everyday quality of life. To support employers we have developed a Mental Health Champions programme. Employers can nominate Mental Health Champions in their workplace who will receive a free one day training course for volunteer Mental Health Champions to be held in various locations across Wiltshire.

"A ‘toolkit’ to provide tips and resources which can be used in their own workplaces to promote mental health awareness and improve emotional wellbeing, ongoing support in the role of Mental Health Champion and the opportunity to join a ‘virtual network’ of Mental Health Champions across Wiltshire.”

Neighbouring Swindon Borough Council has an established Swindon Mindful Employer Network that this year celebrated 10 years of work.

David Latham of Swidon Mindfull Employer Netowrk said: “Gradually we are seeing employers open up the environment for employees to discuss their mental health issues regardless of their position or responsibility in an organisation. There is still a lot of work to be done including more training and awareness – but I believe employers are waking up to the considerable benefits of mentally healthy workplaces which create productive and engaged employees.”