A study by the University of Exeter shows that the third Monday of January, the supposed ‘most depressing day of the year’ could cost the UK economy £93 billion.
In addition to this ELAS, the HR consultancy, has warned employers to be prepared for a huge loss in workplace productivity as ‘Blue Monday’ looms into view.
“It’s important that employers fully understand the effects that stress can have on both the individual and the productivity of a business. In fact, as many as one in six UK workers will be affected by a mental health condition or problems relating to stress, which equates to 70 million lost working days a year,” commented Peter Mooney, ELAS’ head of consultancy.
Further research shows that on’ Blue Monday’, someone Googles the term ‘depression’ every two seconds in the UK, making way for a swathe of unauthorised absences, or sickies, as festive feelings fade and the return to work hits home.
“In addition, Blue Monday is a time when unauthorised staff absences increase exponentially as employees try to get back into their normal routine after the busy Christmas break. Blue Monday, and indeed January as a whole, is a period during which many unauthorised absences, or sickies, occur and employers should be aware of the pressures staff may be under and be proactive rather than reactive in their approach to the ‘Monday Blues’.
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
