The Danger of Neglecting Employee Mental Health in the Workplace
Let’s talk… Mental health in the workplace…
One life lost is one too many.
I don't want to make this too personal or emotional, as I have a deeper purpose than my own feelings about mental health in the workplace. However, motivated by the very sad and deep loss of a former colleague who took their own life, I feel that we need to shout loudly about the things that matter.
Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, yet it remains frequently overlooked in the workplace. While physical first aid is a common practice, mental health first aid is often neglected. This white paper explores the dangers of neglecting mental health support in workplaces, backed by UK data and statistics, and provides recommendations for creating psychologically safe environments.
The State of Mental Health in the UK Workplace
Around 1 in 6 people experience mental health issues at work.
Declining Wellbeing: Nearly half of employees reported a decline in mental wellbeing in 2022, with 28% feeling miserable and 60% emotionally detached.
Comfort in Discussions: Only 13% of employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues at work.
Economic Costs: Poor mental health costs UK employers approximately £56 BILLION annually due to presenteeism, absenteeism, and staff turnover.
A Brief Overview of Sector-Specific Insights
Tech Industry: 79% of tech employees feel close to burnout.
Finance Sector: 86% of finance organizations saw increased demand for mental health support in 2021.
Construction and Engineering: Nearly half of the workers take time off due to poor mental wellbeing.
Suicide Statistics in the Workplace
General and Workplace-Specific Data
Global Statistics: Over 700,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with 115 individuals dying by suicide weekly in the UK.
Workplace Suicidal Thoughts: 9% of employees currently experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Gender Disparity: 75% of suicide deaths are male, with males aged 45-49 having the highest suicide rates.
Factors Contributing to Suicide
Stigma: Only 7% of male employees seek mental health support compared to 12% of female employees.
Financial Stress: Financial stress doubles the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
Societal Norms: Men are often discouraged from expressing vulnerability, contributing to lower consultation rates for mental health issues.
The Need for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Why Physical First Aid is Not Enough
Employers invest in physical first aid to address immediate physical injuries, but mental health issues are often more pervasive and long-lasting.
The lack of mental health support can lead to severe consequences, including decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even suicide.
Educating and Supporting the Workforce
So, how can we educate and support our workforces to improve mental health in the workplace?
Training and culture: Offering mental health training, creating a supportive company culture, and addressing burnout proactively.
Support systems: Implementing measures like next-day mental health support, bereavement support, and beyond.
Organisational commitment: Making wellbeing a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and ensuring leaders commit to mental health support.
The Value of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Benefits to Workplaces and Employees
Protecting the mental health of employees isn’t a luxury, it also makes good business sense. Here’s why:
Increased productivity: Happy employees are 13% more productive.
Fewer sick days: Employees take more days off for mental health issues (18 days) compared to injuries (10 days) and other physical illnesses.
Reduction in staff turnover: 61% of UK employees who left or plan to leave their job cite poor mental health as a factor.
Creating Psychological Safety
One of the key ways to support positive mental health outcomes in the workplace is by creating a psychologically safe environment. We can achieve this through:
Encouraging open discussion: Fostering frequent open discussions about mental health helps reduce stigma.
Ensuring resources are accessible: Providing regular reminders of accessible mental health resources and support.
Leadership involvement: Encouraging leaders to model and advocate for mental health support.
Cost Savings
According to a 2020 report on mental health by Deloitte, for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, employers can expect an average return of £5 in reduced absence, presenteeism, and staff turnover, with some interventions yielding returns as high as £11. Furthermore, Thames Water reported a return of £8 for every £1 invested in mental health support.
Our Key Takeaways …
Neglecting mental health in the workplace has dire consequences, including loss of productivity, increased absenteeism, and tragically, loss of life. It is imperative for organisations to prioritise mental health support, create psychologically safe environments, and invest in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.
Additionally, building a strong sense of community within the workplace can further enhance mental wellbeing and create a supportive environment for all employees. The time to act is now, and the cost of inaction is too high.
By taking proactive steps to support mental health and build strong workplace communities, businesses can not only enhance employee wellbeing but also drive financial performance and create a more resilient and productive workforce.
Getting help
If you’re experiencing mental health problems or concerned about someone close to you, help is available. You can contact MIND online or by calling 0300 102 1234 during working hours.
But there are people you can talk to any time if you’re struggling:
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK-wide)
Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK-wide)
Call C.A.L.L. on 0800 132 737 (Wales only)
