Case studies



Steve's story

Steve had worked for the same organisation as a journalist for 25 years.

"Work was dominating my every waking minute. Seven-day working weeks and the ever-increasing demands made by a new and aggressive management were a major factor in my increasing distress.

"I was advised by a hospital doctor to 'ease down a little'. But that proved impossible. My immediate superior at work merely noted, 'if you think you've got it bad, then come and sit in my chair for a week. We're all overdoing it.' It was against this background that I contemplated suicide.

"My GP signed me off sick with 'stress and anxiety'. Within a week the editor had contacted me requesting 'a chat'. I was subjected to more than an hour of criticism. The editor queried the GP's assessment of my health, disagreed that my workload was particularly onerous and suggested that other factors may have been to blame for my depression. 'How are things at home?' he asked. I left the room a yet-more-broken man.

"At a later stage, I got legal advice that I had an excellent case to bring against my company under the Disability Discrimination Act. In view of the nature of my illness, I should have been offered the opportunity to undertake lighter duties at work or to work for shorter hours (at a reduced rate of pay, of course) to gauge whether my condition improved."

Learning points:

Other employee case studies

Gary's story
With the support and help of others, Gary has managed to start an interesting and rewarding new career.

Phil's story
Phil, an IT professional, has been treated successfully for schizophrenia. Attitudes of managers have made his return to work difficult.

Employer case studies


Language and positioning
Marks and Spencer
Glaxo Smith Kline
Augusta Westland

Personal MOTs and counselling
AstraZeneca