A staggering one-third of UK employees, equivalent to 10 million people, experienced mental health issues in 2024, research has revealed.
The findings, released on ‘blue Monday’ —dubbed the most miserable day of the year— paint a worrying picture of workplace wellbeing.
A quarter of employees surveyed said their mental health had worsened in 2024. And last year, employees took nine days off, on average, for mental health issues, compared to four days for general health issues. Yet a third of employees who were concerned about their mental health said they had not taken any action to address it, according to the research with 500 UK employees conducted on behalf of provider Unum UK.
Saumya Barber, head of proposition development at Unum UK, said: “On blue Monday – a day often associated with our mood being at its lowest – we are reminded of how widespread and significant poor mental health can be and what an impact it can have, particularly if not supported early.
Robust benefits
“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.”
The provider said its Help@hand service had enabled more than 51,000 mental health appointments in 2024, helping workers to address mental health issues before they escalate.
“Blue Monday is often spoken about as just another difficult day to get through,” said Barber. “Instead, we should use this opportunity to have open conversations about mental health and its impact throughout the year. As businesses aim to build a successful 2025 and enhance overall productivity, prioritising a supportive work environment with comprehensive mental health support is essential.”
