Screen industries face potential risk of increased loneliness, as per The Film and TV Charity's caution.
A Deep Dive into the Lonely World of UK's Screen Industries
The Film and TV Charity has shed light on a pressing issue that's been lurking behind the glitz and glam of Britain's film and TV productions. Their latest report reveals that loneliness, a silent torment, is a major contributor to poor mental health among those working behind the scenes.
The report, in collaboration with The Centre for Loneliness Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, presents a shocking reality: 52% of workers in this sector confess to feeling lonely on the job, placing the industry's loneliness rate far above the national average of 20%.
This solitude, it seems, is taking a toll on the mental health of the workforce. The research indicates that loneliness could be responsible for as many as 35% of workers experiencing poor or very poor mental health, nearly doubling the national average. This dark figure suggests an annual financial loss to the industry, estimated at a staggering £400 million.
Investigating the reasons behind this heart-wrenching statistic, the report uncovers several work-related factors. The transient nature of project-based employment, bullying, harassment, discrimination, irregular working hours, and the persistent stigma surrounding discussions of loneliness and mental health in the workplace are some of the contributing factors identified.
Of particular concern are the workers from underrepresented and disempowered backgrounds. These include freelancers, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, the unemployed, neurodivergent individuals, individuals from Black and Global Majority, Muslim, carers, LGBTQ, and working-class backgrounds. These groups often feel invisible and are less likely to seek help, exacerbating the problem.
Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity, underlines the significance of these findings, stating, "This isn't just an issue for our industry, but for freelancers across sectors. We need to change the conversation and focus on creating a better environment, rather than expecting individuals to simply be resilient."
To explore more about this alarming situation and potential solutions, take a look at the full report here. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to address this issue head-on, fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for those who make our silver screen come alive.
Key Takeaways:- UK's screen industries are plagued by high levels of loneliness and poor mental health.- Loneliness can cost the industry as much as £400 million annually.- The problem is fueled by work-related factors, such as irregular hours, bullying, and the freelance nature of the work.- Strategies to combat loneliness could include implementing workplace support systems, fostering community, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting industry-wide awareness.
- The Film and TV Charity's report, in collaboration with The Centre for Loneliness Studies, reveals that 52% of workers in the UK's screen industries confess to feeling lonely, a rate significantly higher than the national average of 20%.
- The report suggests that loneliness could be responsible for nearly doubling the national average of poor or very poor mental health among workers in the screen industries, resulting in an estimated financial loss of £400 million annually.
- Underrepresented and disempowered workers, such as freelancers, those with disabilities, the unemployed, neurodivergent individuals, and individuals from diverse backgrounds are particularly affected by this issue and are less likely to seek help.
- To improve workplace wellness and mental health, the report advocates for creating a better environment, with strategies like implementing workplace support systems, fostering community, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting industry-wide awareness about mental health and loneliness.
