Employers in the Isle of Man are being urged to make the mental health of their staff a top priority.

The latest figures suggest more than 91 million working days are lost to mental health problems each year in Britain - and half of them are due to anxiety and stress.

A checklist for concerned employers has been issued to mark World Mental Health Day.

Marian Kenny reports:

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Accoriding to the Mental Health Foundation ensuring employees well being is not only good practice, it is good business.

Improved wellness leads to increased productivity and lower management costs and far fewer days lost due to depression and stress.

Companies are encouraged to perform a stress audit - to assess stress levels in the workplace and take steps to reduce them.

Other tips include providing a counselling service - a confidential ear where employees can discuss their concerns and receive help - and tackling the culture of long hours and competitive behaviour found in some workplaces.

Companies would also do well to promote physical fitness which can have a direct effect on mental well-being.