Mental health third most common reason for taking time off work

A new survey has found that one in nine workers have taken time off work for mental health reasons over the last 12 months.

Mental health has now become the third most common reason for Brits not coming into work, behind minor illnesses and muscle or joint pain.

The Simplyhealth survey found that younger people especially are struggling with their mental health in the workplace, with almost one in five (16%) of 18-34-year-olds taking time off for this reason, compared to one in ten (10%) of workers aged 35-54.

While 73% of businesses say they feel greater responsibility to look after the health of all their employees, only 40% of workers are offered health plans or EAPs (which can be provided to them with a lower cost to the employer).

However, of the employers that do provide health benefits, as many as 46% noticed employees taking fewer sick days.

Commenting on the findings, Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said, “With workers increasingly taking time off for mental health issues, employers need access to simple, easy and affordable solutions for their employees, particularly when it comes to mental health support.

“By offering mental health benefits to their employees, businesses can support their workers by preventing symptoms from worsening in the first place, encouraging a healthy, happy, and productive workforce.”

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