Addressing Concerning Workplace Mental Health Statistics: Solutions

What is employee wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing is the measurement of how a person's job affects their overall health and happiness. When an organization prioritizes wellbeing, it can lead to happier teams and lower levels of stress.

There are several factors that can contribute to an employee's wellbeing.

• Physical health
• Emotional health
• Financial health
• Spiritual Health
• Social Health

"Mental wellbeing is about looking after our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. This means feeling positive about life, accepting ourselves for who we are, handling stressful situations in a healthy way, having satisfying personal relationships and finding purpose in life."

Source: realbusiness.co.uk

What does the law say?

• We have a wide range of legal rights that protect our mental health at work. These range from basic human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association, to the health and safety legislation that keeps us safe from hazards, including psychological hazards.
• Most people with ongoing mental health problems meet the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010) in England, Scotland and Wales and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995, as amended) in Northern Ireland. This means that people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination and harassment and are entitled to reasonable adjustments to adapt their job or work.
• To be considered disabled under equality legislation, a person must have an impairment that has “a substantial, adverse, and long-term impact on their ability to carry out everyday tasks”.

Source: mentalhealth.org.uk

The statistics speak for themselves!

The average British worker spends 34.5 hours at work each week. This is nearly one-third of their total workweek. The way they feel at work greatly affects their overall wellbeing. It is important to create a positive and supportive work environment.

Workplace mental health issues continue to persist into 2023, and it is vital that employers take steps to combat these worrying trends. In the UK, research suggests that 41% of employees suffer from varying levels of stress and mental health problems in comparison to 38% in 2017.  It has also been proven that those with higher levels of stress and anxiety are more prone to physical ailments such as headaches and musculoskeletal disorders.

The UK is facing a workplace mental health crisis, with it estimated that an astounding 300,000 people leave their jobs each year due to poor mental health. The government-commissioned Thriving at Work report uncovered the severity of this problem in Britain's workplaces and further revealed that workers with mental health issues feel stigmatized and fail to get the correct support needed. Meanwhile many employers are uncertain about how to provide a supportive workplace environment. Unfortunately, it is not just those struggling with their wellbeing who are financially impacted by this crisis as the collective loss from poor workplace mental health amounts to around £42 billion a year.

These concerning figures paint an alarming picture of the current state of affairs for mental wellbeing in British workplaces. To properly begin tackling this crisis there needs to be greater awareness, understanding and acceptance surrounding mental health so that employees can seek prompt help without fear of judgement or discrimination. Until then it appears companies will struggle unnecessarily with costly staff replacement rates while UK employees continue to suffer inappropriately due to ill mental health.

An overview of mental health in the workplace in the UK through eight key statistics.

1. Up to 300,000 people with mental health problems lose their jobs each year

2. 89% of workers with mental health problems report an impact on their working life

3. 91,000 NHS staff have taken at least a month off work due to stress since 2014

4. Just 13% of employees would be comfortable talking about mental illness at work

5. Last year, poor employee mental health cost UK employers £42bn…

6. …That's around £1,300 for every single employee

7. Mental health programmes can generate a return on investment of up to 800%

8. 95% of employees calling in sick with stress give a different reason

championhealth.co.uk

The economic cost of poor employee mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing modern businesses. With the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress on the rise, it is increasingly important to understand these costs in order to improve workplace wellness and effectiveness. The financial impact of an unhealthy workforce goes far beyond absenteeism, as improved mental health may lead to higher productivity, better participant morale, improved decision-making abilities, and even fewer lawsuits. Poor mental health has direct effects on organizations bottom line and can have a significant ripple effect throughout an entire business.

By understanding these impacts and proactively addressing employees’ mental wellbeing, businesses can begin to reap the advantages that investing in their employees’ wellbeing can bring. Investing in employee assistance programs helps create environments where employees feel safe discussing their mental health with a qualified resources making them more likely to stay engaged at work for longer periods of time; this fosters higher levels of job satisfaction ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability. Not only does improving an organization’s approach to employee wellbeing maximizes productivity in the short-term but it improves team commitment – enabling organizations build successful teams for years to come.

Increase employee retention and reduce burnout by prioritising wellbeing.

In order to increase employee retention and reduce burnout, it is important for organizations to prioritize their employees' wellbeing. This involves creating a supportive work environment where mental health issues are openly discussed and addressed. Companies should focus on providing resources to support their team members, such as flexible working hours, access to mental health services, and training in stress management. They should also provide clear expectations of job performance and create a culture of open communication, so that employees feel comfortable raising any concerns they may have. By taking proactive steps to support their staff’s mental health and wellbeing, businesses can reduce costly turnover rates and increase job satisfaction.

Employee Wellbeing Starts at Work

With employee burnout and negative emotions reaching record levels, employers are seeking solutions. Is there a correlation between reduced workloads and decreased workplace stress?

Employees are facing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is not a one-time event; for years, workplaces have been battling with employee wellbeing. The effects of burnout on employees are well documented, leading to reduced job satisfaction and turnover; unfortunately, these issues can take an increasingly mental toll if left unchecked. Employers are now looking for solutions to reduce workplace stress.

The obvious solution is to reduce workloads and work hours in order to decrease employee stress levels, and many employers are actively doing just that. Companies realize that too much work can lead to decreased productivity and absenteeism, as working too hard or too long will have an adverse effect on morale and performance. So, when employers allow their employees enough breaks during the day – whether they’re strictly enforced or simply encouraged – it helps people feel more relaxed in their tasks at hand. Certain companies also prioritize vacation time or offer reduced workloads and remote work opportunities so that their employees can find more balance between their professional and personal lives. Encouraging overall wellbeing starts with the workplace environment itself: making sure that positive team dynamics are intact is key to creating a comfortable atmosphere where people look forward to going into work.

Ultimately, employers need to be proactive about creating workplace environments that foster employee wellbeing and satisfaction, as this is the only way to ensure that their employees are productive, engaged, and committed in the long run. Investing in team building activities and mental health initiatives such as mindfulness and yoga classes can help create more positive working relationships while promoting a healthier attitude towards work-life balance. When employers prioritise employee wellbeing, they are making a valuable long-term investment in their team.

The sad truth, is that poor mental health is rife in the UK at the moment - and even though stress, anxiety and depression are particularly common - with one in six workers experiencing one at any one time - there is still a huge stigma attached to it, that prevents people from asking for help, or even just talking about their mental health.

Source: ihasco.co.uk

Previous studies on the topic reveal:

49% of people felt they could not talk to their manager about a mental health issue

57% of employees who did speak to a manager felt they did not provide significant help

63% of managers feel they are obliged to put the needs of the company before those of the employee.

Source: wearewildgoose.com

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 Looking after your mental health at work

There are actions we can all take to enhance our mental well-being and strengthen our ability to handle challenges.

Practising self-care can be challenging, especially when experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken to ensure mental wellbeing in the workplace. To begin with, it is important to recognise that we all have different needs and should not feel pressured into conforming to a certain standard of behaviour. Instead, it is essential to practice self-care and take breaks throughout the day. 

Firstly, it is important to make sure you are taking regular breaks throughout the day. Spend some time away from your desk and take a walk outside or simply sit and have a cup of tea in a quiet area. This can help you reset, clear your head, think more clearly and refresh yourself. Taking short breaks can also help improve concentration when working on difficult tasks as well as reduce the risk of burnout.

It is also essential to be mindful of how we use technology throughout the day at work. Building healthy tech habits such as taking ‘tech free' timeslots during the day can help boost your physical and mental wellbeing. Similarly, reducing the amount of multitasking that we do – for example checking emails whilst speaking to someone or having multiple tabs open - can boost productivity and avoid mental fatigue by preventing information overload. Furthermore, setting realistic goals each day can help create clarity and focus on what needs to be done within a given timeframe.

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How better mental health practices can improve your business

Some organizations have implemented measures to address mental health, such as company policies, HR teams, and supportive management, in order to raise awareness and provide assistance for any related concerns. However, there are opportunities for improvement in promoting better mental health practices within the UK workforce. One possible step to consider is the introduction of mandatory mental health training in the workplace.

How can Madeleys First Aid Plus help organisations and businesses improve employee wellbeing?

I think we can all agree that Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, and fostering a mentally healthy workplace is crucial for the success and productivity of any organization. Madeleys First Aid Plus understands the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the workplace and offers RQF Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Training designed to support the mental wellbeing of your organization. Here's how our training can benefit your workplace:

1. Enhanced Awareness: Our RQF Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Training raises awareness about mental health issues and helps participants recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions. This knowledge empowers employees to identify when someone may be struggling and encourages a supportive and compassionate environment.
2. Early Intervention: The training equips participants with the skills and confidence to intervene early when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or showing signs of distress. By taking immediate action, individuals can provide support and potentially prevent the situation from worsening.
3. Reduced Stigma: Mental health stigma can hinder individuals from seeking help. Our training aims to reduce stigma by promoting understanding and empathy towards those experiencing mental health challenges. By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, employees feel more comfortable seeking help and discussing their mental health concerns openly.
4. Improved Communication: Effective communication is key to supporting mental health in the workplace. Our training emphasizes active listening skills and teaches participants how to have empathetic and non-judgmental conversations. This facilitates open dialogue, allowing employees to express their concerns and receive appropriate support.
5. Wellbeing Strategies: Our training provides practical strategies and techniques to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace. This includes self-care practices, stress management techniques, and methods for creating a healthy work-life balance. These skills not only benefit individuals but also contribute to a positive work environment.
6. Confidence and Support: By providing employees with mental health first aid training, they gain confidence in their ability to support their colleagues and themselves. This creates a network of individuals who can offer support and guidance, fostering a sense of community and trust within the organization.
7. Compliance and Best Practices: Our RQF Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Training is designed to meet regulatory requirements and align with best practices in mental health support. By investing in this training, your organization demonstrates a commitment to creating a mentally healthy workplace and ensures compliance with relevant guidelines.

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