We’re now well into 2023, however, some organisations in the UK still don’t prioritise the mental wellbeing of staff. With work-related stress on the rise, it’s essential that HR leaders have a clear understanding of the state of workplace mental health in the UK. As such, we’ve put together ten of the latest (and most important) workplace mental health statistics to help inform your employee wellbeing programme. So, without further ado, here are 20 eye-opening statistics that shed light on the current state of workplace mental health in the UK:
- Mental health issues account for approximately 12.7% of all sickness absences in the UK workforce.1
- Work-related stress, anxiety, or depression accounted for 49% of all new or long-standing health conditions in 2022/23.2
- 50% of employees have experienced at least one characteristic of burnout due to greater job demands and expectations, lack of social interaction and lack of boundaries between work and home life.3
- The cost of poor mental health to UK employers is estimated at £56 billion per year.4
- More than half of employees (58%) agree that they’re not comfortable discussing their mental health at work.5
- Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, are associated with improved mental health and wellbeing for employees.6
- A study found that for every £1 invested in mental health interventions in the workplace, employers can see a return of £5 in reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.7
- In a study of employees, 46% responded that they had been to work, despite not feeling well enough to perform their duties.8
- Almost 1 in 5 organisations are not doing anything to improve employee health and wellbeing.9
- Only 38% of HR respondents, in the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work survey, think line managers in their organisation are confident to have sensitive conversations and signpost staff to expert sources of help if needed.10
It’s evident that workplace mental health is a significant concern in the UK, impacting both employees and employers. Organisations must prioritise mental health initiatives, create a supportive work culture, and provide resources for employees to thrive mentally and emotionally in the workplace as well as at home.
