New data from a Bipolar UK survey reveals that nearly a third (32%) of people with bipolar disorder have faced workplace discrimination, with a quarter choosing to keep their condition private. The survey, involving over 1,000 participants, highlighted common issues like stigma, insensitivity, misconceptions, and even job loss.

Bipolar UK has partnered with chef Heston Blumenthal to change workplace perceptions and reduce stigma. A separate survey commissioned by Heston found that 47% of those with mental health conditions like bipolar or neurodiversities like ADHD struggled more to get a job, and 52% found the recruitment process harder. Heston, diagnosed with ADHD in 2017 and recently with bipolar, said,

“Although there are tough days, I would attribute some of my most creative moments to bipolar. Creativity and perfectionism are two common traits for those who live with the condition.”

Over a million people in the UK live with bipolar, with an employment rate of 40-60%, significantly lower than the general population’s 74%. The Bipolar UK survey found that almost a quarter of working individuals with bipolar do not disclose their condition to employers or colleagues due to “fear of stigma.” A lack of understanding from employers and colleagues was reported by 57% of respondents, while 44% cited stigma and preconceived notions as issues. One respondent shared,

“I don’t want to tell anyone at work that I have bipolar because people have ideas about what it’s like living with mental illness, but they often don’t have a clue. I don’t want anyone to judge me, or to make any assumptions about what I might need.”

Additionally, 24% of those who had disclosed their condition to their employer regretted it, citing unfair treatment, insensitivity, broken confidentiality, negative impacts on career progression, and even job loss. Simon Kitchen, CEO 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 do and don’t need at work. It is vitally important that employers and HR teams recognise and address these barriers effectively and acknowledge the need for more nuanced approaches in fostering supportive workplace environments for employees who choose to share that they have bipolar.”

He further added, “There is a common misconception that people living with bipolar are unable to or don’t want to work, but only 6% of survey respondents said they were out of work and not looking for work. Many of them aren’t offered the opportunity to fulfil their potential or given the support they need to thrive. People with bipolar bring many qualities into the workplace including creativity, intelligence and empathy. If individual differences and contributions are recognised and valued, this allows all staff to use their talents and resources to maximise efficiency. Creating the right culture and conditions doesn’t only benefit individuals with bipolar, but wider teams and society in general.”

The survey suggests several reasonable adjustments that can help manage bipolar in the workplace, such as flexible work schedules, time for medical appointments, and post-episode recovery support. Simon Kitchen emphasized,

“The benefits of empowering people with bipolar are enormous, for the individual, their family, employers, the NHS and the Exchequer. The charity has worked with – and continues to work with – literally thousands of people with bipolar who are working successfully in many different fields, including law, retail, finance, media, IT, third sector and the creative arts. Building bipolar-friendly workplaces benefits individual people and workplaces, and society and the economy in general.”

Bipolar UK offers workplace training courses and a free 20-minute e-learning course to improve understanding and support for colleagues living with bipolar.