Statistics released to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated every year on October 10th, show it is a huge issue for both employers and workers in the UK.
In 2022, mental health was the fifth most common reason given for sickness absence, accounting for 7.9% of occurrences – 15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition.
Mental ill health is now the most common cause of work-limiting conditions among those aged 44 years and younger.
Over the past decade, the number of workers aged 16–34 years who reported that their mental health limits the type or amount of work they can do has more than quadrupled.
Working conditions and environment can also have a significant impact on mental health. In 2022/23, there were an estimated 875,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1m working days lost.
The economic case for prevention
Poor mental wellbeing costs employers in the UK an estimated £42bn to £45bn annually through presenteeism, sickness absence and staff turnover.
Recent research finds that, on average, there is a positive return on investment of around £5 for every £1 invested in mental health interventions in the workplace.
Last year there were over 7,000 events across the UK on World Mental Health Day, with over 260,000 people having conversations about mental health across their workplaces, schools, homes or the community.
The World Federation of Mental Health said: “By addressing workplace burnout on this World Mental Health Day, we can create a more productive, engaged, and fulfilled workforce.
“A mentally healthy workplace is a thriving workplace. Let’s work together to combat poor mental health and burnout and foster environments where everyone can flourish.”
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
Develop your mental health at work
The Mental Health Foundation is offering a course where you can learn how to build personal strategies to improve your own mental health and well-being at work as well as supporting others.
The course could be useful if you are working in HR, a manager seeking guidance or a team member wanting to improve your workplace culture. Find out more here.
Find out more about local NHS mental health services here.
