Nearly six out of 10 HR professionals (57%) would not feel happy to disclose a mental health condition within their own department and fewer than a fifth (18%) would share the issue with a colleague, according to employment charity The Shaw Trust.
Just over 16% are concerned their employer would not be sympathetic if they had a mental health problem and 43% think they would get more support if they had a physical disability
Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, said: "People have become more comfortable talking about physical illnesses over the years - however, there is still a huge stigma associated with having a mental ill health condition.
"Dealing with such a problem often leaves people feeling awkward and a culture of secrecy seems to have emerged in which people are frightened to confide in others."
The report also shows a third of HR staff would be ashamed or worried they would be treated differently if they had a mental health problem.
HR staff sweep mental health problems under the carpet
HR staff do not practice what they preach when it comes to mental health - as less than a third (32%) would reveal a mental health condition to their line manager.
