As we approach the end of 2024, mental health continues to be a significant challenge in workplaces across the UK. Employees are grappling with mounting financial pressures, increasing workloads, and changing work environments. These pressures are not only taking a toll on individuals but are also impacting organisations’ ability to succeed.
All employees deserve an open, safe, and supportive workplace. These key workplace mental health and wellbeing statistics highlight the challenges employees face and the opportunities for organisations to take meaningful action in fostering positive mental health.
Invest in workplace mental health training
Workplace stress and burnout
- A quarter (25%) of UK workers report feeling unable to cope with workplace stress, showing the need for more support (1).
- 79% of employees are experiencing moderate-to-high stress levels, with younger employees (16-24) and women showing the highest stress levels (4).
- Signs of burnout are becoming more common, with 63% of UK employees now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement, up from 51% two years ago (7).
Absenteeism
- Nearly 10% of UK adults took time off for mental health reasons over the past year, with almost half (45%) of these absences lasting a month or longer (2).
- Work-related mental health issues now cost the UK economy £57.4 billion each year, nearly doubling in recent years (3).
Financial wellbeing
- Financial pressure is now the top external stressor, affecting 41% of employees, an increase from 37% last year (4).
- 52% of employees report that financial worries have negatively affected their work performance, while 45% say it disrupts their sleep (5).
- 80% of those facing financial stress report feeling anxious or depressed at least once a week, indicating a clear link between financial health and mental wellbeing (5).
Stigma and workplace culture
- 35% of employees say they have experienced discrimination or stigma in the workplace due to poor mental health (4).
- 45% feel uncomfortable discussing mental health concerns with their manager, fearing negative repercussions (4).
- 47% of employees believe that an open dialogue about mental health would significantly improve their wellbeing at work (5).
Improving mental health at work
Creating a supportive and mentally healthy workplace is crucial to the wellbeing of employees (6).
- Organisations that implement mental health training for managers report a 30% reduction in mental health-related absences.
- 52% of employees feel more engaged and productive when their organisation offers mental health resources, such as access to counselling or wellness programmes.
- Companies that foster a culture of open communication and mental health awareness see a 20% increase in employee retention rates.
Improve mental health at your workplace with Mental Health First Aid training
Benefits of investing in employee wellbeing include:
- Lower rates and risk of work-related poor mental health
- Increased employee engagement and satisfaction
- Reduced costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism whilst increasing productivity
- Establishing a positive, open mental health culture within your workplace
What is the best thing my organisation can do for workplace wellbeing?
One of the best things your organisation can do is implement a robust workplace wellbeing strategy. Employees are the heart of every organisation, and their wellbeing directly impacts your success.
A structured, inclusive, and actionable mental health strategy is essential to creating the thriving, positive workplace you want to see. Our tailored consultancy service is designed to guide you through this process. With expert advice and practical strategies, we can help you develop a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health that drives lasting change.
Learn more about our consultancy services
Sources:
(1) Personnel Today. World Mental Health Day: Making workplaces more mindful. Available from:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/world-mental-health-day-making-workplaces-more-mindful/ [Accessed 12 November 2024].
(2) Personnel Today. Mental health cost to economy doubles, AXA Mind Health Index, March 2024. Available from:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/mental-health-cost-to-economy-uk-axa-mind-health-index-2024/ [Accessed 12 November 2024].
(3) Personnel Today. Mental health: Call for OH ‘hub’, as one in 10 took time off work last year. Available from:
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/mental-health-call-for-oh-hub-as-one-in-10-took-time-off-work-last-year/ [Accessed 12 November 2024].
(4)
Champion Health: Workplace Health Report 2024, 2024
(5)
Mind: The Big Mental Health Report 2024, 2024
(6)
Deloitte: Mental Health and Employers – The Case for Investment, 2024
