One in three employees surveyed by employee benefits provider Unum UK, reported that they experienced mental health issues in 2024; and a quarter said their mental health had worsened over the course of the year.
The research of 500 employees across UK workplaces by Yonder Data Solutions for Unum UK found employees took an average of nine days off for mental health issues in 2024, compared to just four days for general health issues.
Around a third of employees said they had not taken steps to address their mental health issues.
Saumya Barber, head of proposition development at Unum UK, said: “These findings highlight the need for robust, on-demand mental health support as part of all employee benefits packages.
“While awareness of mental health has grown since the pandemic, we still have some way to go when it comes to encouraging workers to seek help when they need it.
“By building comprehensive employee benefits packages and signposting to these easily accessible and high-quality support services, employers can help add significant value to the workplace.
“This approach encourages employees to address mental health issues proactively, rather than resorting to sick leave to manage complex and worsening concerns.”