Top Mental Health Conditions in UK Workplaces
Stress, depression and anxiety affect us all at some point, however, how they manifest themselves and how we deal with them, are highly subjective responses. So what does that mean for UK workplaces?
The aim of this article is to highlight the prevalence of stress in the workplace and the importance of addressing it effectively. Work-related stress is a widespread problem, affecting millions of workers across various industries and needs proactive and substantive action.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that companies report the following as the most frequently experienced mental health conditions by their employees:
1. Stress, Depression and Anxiety: often stemming from factors such:
- not able to cope with the demands of their jobs
- unable to control the way they do their work
- don't receive enough information and support
- are having trouble with relationships at work, or are being bullied
- don't fully understand their role and responsibilities
- are not engaged when a business is undergoing change
Prolonged stress can lead to burnout and negatively impact both physical and mental well-being (HSE)
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder are among the most common anxiety disorders experienced by employees. Anxiety can manifest as persistent worry, nervousness, and fear, affecting job performance and overall quality of life.
According to HSE, 49% of the workforce reported suffering from depression in 2022/3. It’s characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
On average, an employee suffering with stress, depression and anxiety will take 19.6 days off work per year - a full working month. (HSE)
2. Burnout: While not officially classified as a mental health disorder, burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic workplace stress. It can manifest as feelings of cynicism, detachment, and reduced effectiveness in the workplace.
3. Work-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Employees in certain industries, such as healthcare, emergency services, and the military, are seen to be at higher risk of developing PTSD due to exposure to traumatic events in the workplace. More specifically, smaller occupational groups such as:
- Health and social care associate professionals
- Protective service occupations
- Health professionals
- Teaching and other educational professionals
- Caring personal service occupations
PTSD can lead to intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviours, impacting job performance and wellbeing.
4. Substance Abuse and Addiction: Substance abuse disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction, often co-occur with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Workplace stress and poor coping mechanisms may contribute to the development or exacerbation of substance abuse issues among employees.
Preventive Measures
To tackle work-related stress, organisations can implement preventive measures such as promoting a positive work culture, providing training on stress management, and offering support services for employees. These proactive steps can help create a healthier and more productive work environment.
Support and Intervention
It's crucial for employers to offer support and intervention measures for employees experiencing work-related stress. This may include:
- destigmatising mental illness
- promoting mental health awareness
- providing access to mental health resources and support
- implementing stress management programs
- fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing
- access to counselling services
- flexible working arrangements
- and clear channels for reporting and addressing concerns
By recognising and addressing mental health concerns, companies can create healthier, more productive work environments for their employees.
Legal Responsibilities
Employers have a legal responsibility and duty of care to protect the health and safety of their employees, including their mental wellbeing. Addressing mental health conditions in the workplace requires a comprehensive and formal approach. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advocate using Management Standards to achieve best practice
Work-related stress is a significant issue that requires proactive attention from employers and wider policymakers. By understanding the causes and consequences of stress, depression and anxiety, implementing preventive measures and offering support to affected individuals, organisations can create healthier and more resilient workplaces.
References:
Mental Health Foundation
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Working Days Lost in Great Britain
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/dayslost.htm
Preventing Stress: Positive Manager Behaviour
https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/preventing-stress-report/
Stress and Mental Health at Work
https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/index.htm
Work-Related Stress, Depression Or Anxiety Statistics In Great Britain, 2023
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/stress.pdf
Drug and Alcohol Misuse At Work: Guidance For People Professionals
https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/guides/drug-alcohol-misuse-work-guide/
MHF-Investing-in-Prevention-Report-Summary.pdf
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/MHF-Investing-in-Prevention-Report-Summary.pdf
At Body Mechanics, we help you create health and wellbeing programmes which are effective and fit for purpose. We want to help you create a workplace where health, wellbeing and happiness are ingrained in your company culture.
If you’d like to discuss how to go about developing and implementing a health and wellbeing programme and/or a health and wellbeing framework, please get in touch. We’re happy to help.
enquiries@bodymechanics.co.uk
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