Every organisation in Britain is affected by mental distress and ill health in the workforce. At any one time one worker in six will be experiencing depression, anxiety or problems relating to stress. 91 million days are lost each year due to mental health problems.
The total cost to employers is estimated at nearly £35 billion each year. That is equivalent to £1,300 for every employee in the UK workforce. (Centre for Mental Health 2017)
Simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace should enable employers to save 30% or more of these costs – at least £8 billion a year
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Anxiety symptoms can include elevated levels of nervousness, increased worrying leading to an inability to relax and feeling restless. Such symptoms have also been commonly reported by patients as being the reasons for workplace avoidance and resulting in increasing levels of absenteeism.
Common indicators of a depressive episode can commonly include symptoms of trouble concentrating on tasks, tiredness, low energy levels, low motivation. Such symptoms can also be attributed to key indicators of poor productivity at work identified as presenteeism – estimated at costing the UK economy in excess of £21.2 billion per annum (Centre for mental health, 2016 (Ref) has been used to record the direct impact to the economy for individuals experiencing mental ill-health.
Embedding good health and wellbeing depends on creating a culture that reinforces positive messages and prioritises staff health and wellbeing.
Whith the UK’s productivity under the spotlight, many employers are recognising that a well-thought-out health and wellbeing strategy helps to boost performance and make their company a better place to work.
Many employers say they are finding it hard to take practical action because they are not clear about what really works along with what’s actually available.
The Employment Advisory Service pro-actively supports employers so they can invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing with confidence. This unique and highly successful model ensures joint working is embedded throughout the approach.