In a revealing study conducted by Unum UK, an alarming 78% of UK employees expressed willingness to leave their jobs due to excessive stress and inadequate mental health support at work. This statistic places stress just behind salary considerations (79%) as a significant driver of employee turnover, underscoring the acute impact of workplace pressures on UK professionals.
The study, performed by global research firm Censuswide in September 2023, surveyed 4,035 UK workers aged 16 to 69. Findings highlight a critical shortfall in employer support for mental health and well-being, with less than half of the respondents affirming that their organizations are equipped to effectively manage mental health issues.
The implications of this are substantial, not only for employee welfare but also for the economic health of the nation. Last year, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety led to 17.1 million lost days due to sickness absence, a staggering figure that signals deep-rooted issues within workplace environments across the country.
Despite the concerning statistics, the study revealed a silver lining. Over half of the surveyed employees (57%) indicated that the presence of robust health and wellness programs could persuade them to stay with their current employers. This points to a call to action for employers and creates a significant opportunity for businesses to retain talent by investing in comprehensive mental health strategies.
Unum UK’s Chief Operating Officer, Liz Walker, emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges. She noted, “It’s concerning enough to find that, without proper prevention and intervention in place, nearly 80% of the UK’s 30.4 million employees say workplace stress would influence them to seek another job.” Walker added that the high prevalence of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety, which accounts for almost half of work-related sickness absence, is a wake-up call for employers.
The data underscores a pivotal concern gap in employer support for mental health, with only 49% of employees feeling that their mental health is adequately supported at work. This gap highlights the necessity for employers to introduce proactive measures aimed at mitigating stress at work and enhancing the overall mental health and productivity of their workforce. Spotting and preventing workplace burnout employers should have early intervention protocols as standard.
Employers are thus faced with a dual challenge: implementing high-quality, proactive measures to combat workplace stress and creating positive support, and inclusive working environments. By doing so, they not only enhance employee retention but also contribute to the development of a healthier, more engaged workforce.
As the study suggests, the path forward involves a concerted effort from all stakeholders to foster environments where mental wellness and stress at work is a priority for practice owners, ultimately benefiting both the workforce and the broader economy.
The Workers Union says…
“This superb study is a crucial indicator of the needs and pressures facing the modern workforce, which we have been highlighting for many years. Addressing these challenges is essential not only for the well-being of employees but also for the health of the entire business sector.”
