Ten workplace mental health statistics for 2023

Post-pandemic changes in working patterns and increased financial uncertainty are negatively impacting employee mental health in and outside of work.
A recent report found that almost half of UK workers are ‘running on empty,’ with burnout, mental ill health, and work-related stress now costing the economy £28 billion annually [1].

All employees deserve an open, safe, and supportive workplace.
Unlock the value of positive employee mental health with our ten vital workplace mental health and wellbeing statistics.
 

Invest in workplace mental health training

The impact of poor mental health on UK employees

1. Poor mental health accounts for more than half of all work-related illnesses. Around 51% of long-term sick leave is due to stress, depression, or anxiety [2].

2. Employees are reporting increased workplace intensity and more significant pressure at work [3]:

• - 55% of workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding.
• - 61% of workers say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days

3. Deloitte reported that 64% of managers have considered quitting for a job that would better support their wellbeing [4].

4. 70% of managers cited organisational barriers to supporting staff wellbeing, including company policy, heavy workload, unsupportive workplace culture, and not being equipped with the right skills [4].
 

Workplace wellbeing and leadership

5. One in five UK workers reported feeling unable to manage stress and pressure in the workplace [5].
 

6. A third of managers feel out of their depth supporting their team with mental health concerns [6].

7. 9% of professionals are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm [7].

8. A third of managers feel out of their depth supporting their team with mental health concerns [6].

Improving mental health at work

8. 29% of managers said more support and training from their employer would help them support other team members [6].

9. Only 10% of employees are currently seeking support for their mental health [7].

10. Champion Health found that productivity was linked to employees feeling part of a team [7].

Read more workplace wellbeing statistics

Benefits to investing in employee wellbeing

• Lower rates and risk of work-related ill mental health.


• Increase employee engagement and satisfaction.


• Reduce costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism whilst increasing productivity


• Establish a positive, open mental health culture within your workplace

One of the best things organisations can do is invest in a robust workplace wellbeing strategy. Employees are the heart of every organisation. 

A structured, inclusive, and actionable mental health strategy is vital to creating the thriving workplace you want to see.
 

Get started with Startwell

Startwell is our bespoke workplace consultancy programme, leveraging decades of unparalleled experience in providing expertise, training, and consultancy. Startwell is designed to unlock your organisation’s potential for strategic and cultural improvements, providing a robust framework for navigating the ever-changing workplace and improving wellbeing.
 

Find out more about Startwell

Sources:

[1] Personnel Today: Burnout, stress and mental ill health running rampant in UK, 2023

[2] HSE: Work-related stress, anxiety or depression statistics in Great Britain, 2022

[3] TUC: Work Intensification, 2023

[4] Deloitte: As workforce well-being dips, leaders ask: What will it take to move the needle?, 2023

[5] Mental Health UK: Burnout, 2023

[6] MHFA England: Survey shows managers are ‘out of their depth’ on mental health, 2023

[7] Champion Health: The Workplace Health Report, 2023