One in nine UK workers took time off due to mental health reasons in the past year, with younger employees most affected. Over a quarter (27%) of those affected were off for more than two weeks.
That’s according to new data from health benefits provider Simplyhealth. The figures show that 11 percent of working adults reported taking sick leave for mental health-related issues – the third most common cause of sickness absence, after minor illnesses (23%) and muscle or joint pain (12%).
However, compared to other reasons for absence, this kind of leave typically lasted longer. While the majority of workers taking time off for minor ailments returned within two days (57%), those with mental health concerns were more likely to be off for a fortnight or more.
Younger employers most affected
Younger employees were significantly more affected. The research found that 16 percent of workers aged 18 to 34 took time off due to mental health issues, compared to 10 percent of those aged 35 to 54. These figures add to concerns already raised by previous NHS data, which estimated that 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost.
Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said, “With workers increasingly taking time off for mental health issues, employers need access to simple, easy and affordable solutions for their employees – particularly when it comes to mental health support.
“By offering mental health benefits to their employees, businesses can support their workers by preventing symptoms from worsening in the first place, encouraging a healthy, happy and productive workforce.”
Support offerings remain limited despite increased awareness
Despite growing awareness of the issue, there is still a gap in practical support. While 73 percent of employers reported feeling a greater responsibility to look after employee health due to extended NHS waiting times, only 40 percent currently offer health plans or employee assistance programmes (EAPs).
Employers that do offer health support are already seeing an impact. Of those providing benefits such as health plans or EAPs, 46 percent said they had seen a reduction in the number of sick days taken by employees. The data suggests that access to such services not only helps employees, but can contribute to lower absence-related costs for businesses.
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said, “Proper support is critical to help employees struggling with mental health and prevent conditions worsening in the long term. While there’s an urgent need for policy changes to better support those struggling, there is also a place for employers to offer accessible and efficient mental health services.
“This could range from access to 24/7 helplines to long-term counselling, or even mental health first aid training.”