Over a third (35.2 per cent) of the nation’s workers are suffering from mental health issues, with four in 10 (42.9 per cent) admitting that their job is a key contributor to these feelings. That’s according to the latest research from CV-Library, an independent job site.
As the post-Christmas blues set in and the cold days continue, the survey of 1,200 workers sought to reveal how mental health affects professionals this Blue Monday. The study found that for 70.6 per cent of those that suffer, their depression or anxiety can sometimes have a negative effect on their working life, while a further 17.9 per cent said it always negatively impacts their working life.
When asked what it is about their job that makes them feel this way, professionals cited the following as the top causes:
- Doubting their abilities – 34.6 per cent
- Having a boring job – 26.6 per cent
- Not getting on with their boss – 22.6 per cent
- Working alone – 17.8 per cent
- Working with customers/clients – 17 per cent
Furthermore, respondents revealed the negative impact that depression and anxiety has on their ability to do their job. For the majority (47.4 per cent), it makes them dread going in to work. After this, 24.2 per cent said it makes them feel tired, 8 per cent said it causes them to take time off and 7.4 per cent said it means they don’t really speak to their colleagues.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library comments on the findings:
“While mental health is something we are beginning to talk more about across the UK, it’s clear that there’s still more that needs to be done to help those affected – especially in the workplace. It’s sad to learn that one in three UK professionals are suffering from depression and/or anxiety, and that this is having such a negative impact on their ability to do their job.”
Worryingly, over a third (37.7 per cent) of professionals revealed that their employer does not do anything to help those that suffer from these mental health issues, and a further 38.4 per cent said that they were unsure whether their boss would help them if they needed it. Other findings include:
The majority (88.4 per cent) believe that employers should be given training to help them understand mental health
A third (32.7 per cent) believe that organising regular one-to-one catch ups could help employers to support staff who are suffering
After this, 26.8 per cent believe paid mental health days (time off) could help, and 19.8 per cent said they’d appreciate professional help being offered through their employer.
Biggins concludes:
“It’s clear that professionals want more support from businesses when it comes to mental health. As an employer, it’s important that you have systems in place to help those who may be suffering. This can be a delicate issue for some, so it is vital you create a culture of trust and open communication so staff feel they can approach their managers or colleagues with any problems. This will begin to release the stigma around mental health, and help staff who may be struggling to cope with any problems, as well as their ability to do their job well.”
If you are interested in health and wellbeing or finding out more about transforming your wellbeing initiatives you may be interested in our Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum held in London on the 15th November. Click here for more details.
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
