Pros and cons tool

If I let my manager know about my condition, we can discuss changes to my job like reduced hours or a different schedule – these could help me keep working or support my recovery.

Talking about my experiences might encourage others to be more open about mental health at work, as well as help to change people’s attitudes.

My colleagues have been asking why I’ve not been at work. Being upfront about it might stop rumours spreading or people gossiping.

I’ve been missing deadlines and my work hasn’t been up to my usual standard. I would rather people know about my condition than have them think I was slacking off – they’re more likely to be understanding.

My colleagues are a pretty close-knit bunch and I think they’ll be supportive. A couple of other people have talked at work about their mental health conditions, and everyone was really positive and empathetic.

Being open and upfront about what I’ve been going through will be helpful in case there is any dispute about my performance with my employer in the future.

If I’m being performance-managed/facing disciplinary action and my boss doesn’t understand what’s been going on for me, I think it might help to explain I’ve been experiencing a mental health condition and it has affected my work.

My boss has noticed I’ve been acting differently lately and has expressed concern. It would be a relief to speak about my mental health condition as I’m sick of trying to hide it and I think my employer will be supportive.

I’m confident that I can manage my condition – it doesn’t affect my ability to do my job.

I don’t need any adjustments to my workload or schedule at the moment.

I’m worried that my boss will think differently about my ability and potential, and it could affect my career prospects.

I’m uncertain about the level of support my boss will provide. I know there is legislation to protect me, but I’d be concerned that my employer will only do the bare minimum and it won’t really help me.

I have a strong network outside work that I can rely on and I’m not at a point where I need any additional support.

I’m worried about what my boss/colleagues will say. I’m not sure they understand what it’s like to have a mental health condition or how it can affect a person. They might think I’m weak or not pulling my weight.

I don’t want to have to talk about it with anyone at work. Even though I think they’ll be understanding, I just don’t want to discuss this personal stuff with them.

I’m not sure it will stay confidential. I’m comfortable talking to my boss about this but don’t want anyone else to know, and I don’t want it going on my employment record.

I don’t trust my boss and I’m worried they could use this against me somehow or that I might be discriminated against.