Prioritising mental health at work: A call to action
Today marks World Mental Health Day and the focus for this year is ‘workplace mental health’. Whilst employment provides better self-esteem, identity, and a sense of purpose, high stress work also brings its own negative consequences.
As Sigmund Freud aptly put it ‘Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness’, but the reality for many people in the UK is unemployment. At Labour Conference, Keir Starmer vowed to do everything his government can to end widespread worklessness in the UK. He was right to identity this as one of the UK’s greatest challenges. As of June 2024, the UK’s unemployment rate stood at 4.2%, with 1.4 million working age people officially out of work and a further 9.4 million not actively seeking it. This is equivalent to the entire population of London being out of the workforce.
Of particular concern are the 3 million people out of work due to long-term sickness and the 228,000 others who are temporarily sick. The cost of poor mental health in this country is huge. Not only in terms of the people struggling with their mental wellbeing, their families, and communities, but also to our welfare system and wider economy.
The relationship between mental health and unemployment is well-documented. For those looking for work, good mental health is essential for employability, finding a job, and staying employed. Meanwhile people who experience poor mental health often struggle to maintain employment due to undermined performance and increase absenteeism.
Unemployment itself is a significant source of stress. The daily routine provided by work can be vital for mental stability and the loss of this structure coupled with financial insecurity, and the stigma associated with being out of work and claiming benefits all contribute to mental health struggles. There is a risk that these experiences can compound, leading to long-term mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
For young people and those from minority ethnic backgrounds, the challenges are often even more acute. Higher unemployment rates in these groups contribute to social and economic inequality, making it harder to break the cycle of mental health issues and unemployment.
However, employment is not always a silver bullet. For those already in employment, the mental health landscape can be no less challenging. Changes in the labour market, including the rise of zero-hours contracts and casual work, have contributed to increased stress levels among workers. Young professionals face unique challenges, and working parents, particularly those with children experiencing mental health issues, face an uphill battle in balancing their responsibilities.
Alarmingly, nearly half of UK workers report feeling like they are ‘running on empty’ and the financial implications are staggering. Burnout, mental ill health, and work-related stress costs the UK economy £28 billion annually.
Quality of life at work matters. It is why all employers must offer decent, supportive, and well-compensated employment and know how to support their staff when they face mental health challenges. As it stands, we are far from that reality. In a recent survey, 33% of managers said that they feel unequipped to support their teams with mental health concerns, and only 10% of employees actively seek help for their mental health issues.
Part of the solution to this issue lies in recognising the benefits of investing in employee wellbeing. Fostering a positive, open mental health culture in your workplace can increases employee engagement, productivity and satisfaction while simultaneously lowering rates of absenteeism and work-related ill mental health.
Clearly, we must also work on boosting employment rates in this country. A substantial number of young people and individuals aged 50-64 years are economically inactive. While some cannot work due to disabilities, many others lack a compelling reason not to engage in employment. As the Prime Minister rightly argues, we need to encourage people back into the workplace where we can and target efforts to improve job opportunities and quality of work in the UK.
By prioritising mental wellbeing, we not only enhance the lives of individuals but also contribute to the economic and social fabric of our communities. It is time for employers, employees, and policymakers to unite in creating a future where mental health is valued as much as physical health in the workplace. Together, we can foster environments where everyone can thrive, both mentally and professionally.
Michael Samuel is Chair of Anna Freud, a leading children’s mental health charity, Chair and Co-Founder of Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact checking organisation, and Chair of Somerset Community Foundation.
Images: Tim Gouw and Michael Samuel
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