Excessive stress is increasingly recognised as a severe workplace issue, costing UK employers billions annually.
- The World Health Organisation has declared stress a health epidemic of the 21st century due to its widespread impact.
- Recent studies highlight a significant increase in workplace stress, leading to millions of lost workdays.
- Stigma around mental health prevents open discussions, exacerbating stress-related challenges in the workplace.
- Prioritising mental health and addressing stress is critical for organisations aiming to attract and retain talent.
Excessive stress is an acknowledged health risk with significant implications for both individuals and organisations. The World Health Organisation regards stress as the 21st century’s health epidemic, yet organisations often fail to address it seriously. Stress is an inevitable facet of modern life, further exacerbated in professional settings resulting in high costs.
Emphasising the impact of workplace stress, a study from Mental Health UK revealed that one in five employees has taken time off due to stress-induced mental health issues in the past year. During 2022/2023, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for 35.2 million lost workdays. Consequently, the financial implications for UK employers are substantial, estimated between £33-42 billion annually, largely due to presenteeism.
There remains a stigma surrounding mental health, with many perceiving mental health challenges as a weakness. This stigma hinders employees from discussing their struggles, as highlighted by a Mind poll where 95% of employees reporting stress cited different reasons for absence. Almost half expressed reluctance to talk about mental health at work, illustrating the need for cultural change.
To mitigate stress effectively, organisations must cultivate environments that encourage open mental health discussions without fear of stigma. As mental health significantly impacts retention and talent attraction, adopting strategies like those proposed by Stevenson and Farmer is vital. Their framework suggests measures including developing mental health plans, raising awareness, fostering open conversations, and improving employee work-life balance.
Training staff, particularly managers, in recognising stress signs and offering support is crucial. Mental Health First Aid training forms an essential part of this preparation, supporting the creation of safer work environments where mental health topics are addressed openly. Ultimately, organisations must decide whether to contribute to the stress epidemic or actively participate in fostering healthier workplaces.
Addressing workplace stress is pivotal for nurturing healthier work environments and sustaining organisational success.
