Take ownership

Following World Mental Health Day, Business in the Community (BITC) has released its fourth national Mental Health at Work survey.

YouGov survey data from more than 4,000 employees from across the UK forms the basis of the Mental Health at Work 2019 report – Time to Take Ownership.

The report shows that progress combatting poor mental health at work is being made, with evidence of increased awareness and positive action. However, it is not happening with the scale and speed needed.

In the latest findings, 39% of employees say they have experienced poor mental health due to work, or where work was a contributing factor, in the past year. This figure was 36% in both 2017 and 2018. The findings also show that 30% of the UK workforce have been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. In addition, 39% or two in five employees, report experiencing poor mental health symptoms related to work in the last year, and 23% in the past month.

Where employees are experiencing poor mental health symptoms not related to work, feeling lonely and isolated is the most significant factor (32%). This is particularly true for younger employees (48% of 18-29-year-olds, compared to 19% of 60+ year olds). Financial difficulties such as debt, and family bereavement or long-term illness of family members were also notable causes (both 24%).

Dr Shaun Davis, our global director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability, who sits on the BITC Workwell Leadership Team, that pulled the report together, said: ‘It is our aim to create a workplace that enhances positive mental health. Good employee mental health is fundamental to building a successful, sustainable organisation. It is therefore vital that all UK employers commit to improving the wellbeing of their people.

‘We know colleagues can experience poor mental health at times or live with an ongoing mental health condition. However, with the right support they can succeed and thrive at work.’