A recent report from Unum UK highlights the alarming scale of mental health challenges faced by employees in the United Kingdom, with one-third of the workforce—equating to approximately 10 million people—experiencing mental health issues in 2024. Of these employees, a quarter reported that their mental health had worsened throughout the year.
Worsening Mental Health and Inaction
The research, conducted by specialist employee benefits provider Unum UK, underscores a growing concern regarding mental health in the workplace. Notably, the report found that 33% of employees did not take any steps to address their mental health struggles, despite the rising challenges.
“On Blue Monday—a day often associated with the lowest mood of the year—we are reminded of how widespread and significant poor mental health can be, and the impact it can have if not supported early,” said Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK.
Increased Sick Days for Mental Health Issues
The study also revealed that employees took an average of nine days off for mental health-related reasons in 2024, compared to just four days taken for general health issues. This suggests that mental health concerns are becoming a more prominent factor in workplace absenteeism, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges sooner rather than later.
The Need for Robust Mental Health Support
Barber emphasized the importance of building comprehensive mental health support systems within employee benefits packages. While awareness around mental health has increased since the pandemic, there remains a gap in encouraging workers to seek help when they need it.
“These findings highlight the need for robust, on-demand mental health support as part of all employee benefits packages,” Barber stated. “By offering easily accessible and high-quality support services, employers can help employees address mental health issues proactively, rather than relying on sick leave to cope with escalating concerns.”
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