Workplace mental health issues

A recent survey commissioned by global employment law firm Peninsula Group has revealed that almost half of all UK bosses have noticed an increase in the number of people in their workplace experiencing mental health issues.  

The research also suggests that wellbeing is an increasingly discussed workplace topic, with more than four out of ten employers saying they have witnessed people talking more about their mental health within the last 12 months. Despite this, less than one in eight employees had actually spoken to their employer, and one in seven of those who had confided said nothing was done. 

Other data from the survey suggests support currently being offered may not sufficiently match needs. For instance, while two thirds of employers were confident employees would talk to them and disclose mental health concerns, less than one in ten bosses actually said they would feel comfortable discussing their own personal mental health. 

Another anomaly highlighted in the data relates to the provision of mental health days in addition to personal leave entitlement. Indeed, although a quarter of employers had noted an increase in sick leave due to mental health issues, nine out of ten said they still did not offer mental health days to their employees. 

Commenting on the survey’s findings, Peninsula Group Chief Operations Officer Alan Price said, “With 17 million working days being lost in the UK due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2021/22, it should be clear to any employer that mental health is an area they need to take very seriously. And that message seems to be getting through.”