MENTAL HEALTH
IN THE WORKPLACE
Mental health problems are all too common in the workplace and are a leading cause of sickness absence. A staggering 70 million workdays are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK.
New analysis by Deloitte, finds that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion each year. This is a rise of 16% since 2016 - an extra £6 billion a year.
On average, for every £1 spent on supporting their people’s mental health, employers get £5 back on their investment in reduced presenteeism, absenteeism and staff turnover.
​At any one time, a sixth of the population in England aged 16 to 64 experience a mental health problem, according to NHS Digital. Whether it be family or friends, neighbours or work colleagues, the chances are we know someone who is affected.
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Most of these individuals will not seek help or support for a number of reasons ranging from fear, not knowing where or who to turn to for support, or in some cases, been unaware that they have an issue that needs addressing.
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A new survey of 2,000 workers which was commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation for World Mental Health Day has revealed that:
38%
of British workers wouldn’t talk openly about a mental health problem for fear it would affect their job prospects or job security.
45%
said they would be likely to make up an excuse such as stomach ache or back problems for absence if they needed to take time off work for mental health reasons.
11%
have been victims of abuse at work as a direct result of a mental health issue.