The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) are calling on the UK Government and Devolved Governments to address the unprecedented impact that mental illness is having on working-age adults across the country.
A new survey, commissioned by the RCPsych, shows that 9% of adults had to take time off work due to mental ill-health in the last year, while 6% said someone in their household had to.1 Around 45% of them were unable to work for a month or more.2
The survey also found that 31% of respondents would not feel comfortable asking their employer for time off due to mental ill-health (increased to 48% for those actively working).3 Young people aged 18 to 24 were the most likely to feel uncomfortable at 44% (65% for those actively working).4
People most commonly suggested that poor work/life balance and excessive workloads could contribute to poor mental health in the workplace at 51% and 50% respectively. Demanding management (36%), long or inflexible hours (27%) and discrimination and harassment (24%) were also highlighted by respondents.5
RCPsych and SOM have long warned that the mental health crisis is damaging the UK’s productivity. Mental health conditions are now one of the leading causes of disability in working aged people.
Many people who experience mental health difficulties are able to remain in, or return to, work if their mental ill-health is identified and managed early on. Unfortunately, delays in providing care can place people at much greater risk of developing a chronic and severe condition. Research also suggests that people who receive support from their employer, and their line manager especially, are often able to continue working and thriving.
There is also very good evidence that organisations that have easy access to occupational health professionals and services are likely to be more productive and able to support workers with mental health difficulties.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Society of Occupational Medicine and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine are calling on all Governments to establish and implement a UK standard for workplace mental health, awarded to compliant organisations, akin to the Disability Confident accreditation scheme. This should be tiered and achievable regardless of organisational size – allowing employers to showcase their commitment to mental health.
To support employers to achieve this standard, a UK-wide hub of guidance should be created – contributed to by organisations such as the RCPsych, SOM, FOM and other leaders in this field. It should include evidence-based training options for employers and managers, incorporating best practice and existing initiatives from the devolved nations.6
One example of a similar programme that has already found success is the mentally healthy workplaces hub that was established in Australia, that could potentially serve as a blueprint. Based on their approach, the RCPsych estimates that it would cost £6 million to develop an occupational mental health hub over three to four years.
The SOM has also produced a wellbeing at work purchaser’s guide to help organisations decide on what evidence-based and effective wellbeing interventions they should invest in.
The RCPsych, SOM and FOM are also calling on the UK Government to invest in mental health services which have been hampered by chronic staff shortages and deteriorating facilities for years, starting with the Budget and Spending Review. The Devolved Governments must also take targeted action to address the ongoing mental health crisis.
Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“It’s appalling that so many households are having to take time off work due to mental ill-health, which is absolutely treatable. This is not only affecting people’s livelihoods but also the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.
“This current mental health crisis has led to thousands of people being out of work, with many becoming increasingly isolated and unwell as a result, not to mention the fear of being judged.
“The vast majority of people want to be financially independent, but untreated mental ill-health prevents many from working. Poor workplace environments and unemployment are heavily contributing to the development of mental illnesses, which is why this vicious cycle must be addressed immediately.
“It is estimated that every £1 invested in improving workplace mental health brings an average return of £4.70 but many businesses don’t know where to start. A new hub of information and resources would ensure organisations are able to support their staff’s mental health and thrive as a result.
“Access to timely and effective professional care can also help people living with mental ill-health remain in work and engage in fulfilling activities; preventing relapse and supporting people to stay well. Mental health services must be provided with the staff and resources they need to deliver this aid and reduce waiting lists.
“The Government can make no better investment than in our workforce. It must seize this important opportunity to turn the tide on the mental health crisis and the resulting economic inactivity.”
Dr Lanre Ogunyemi, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine, said:
“Early intervention is vital to preventing mental health issues from becoming chronic, and this can be achieved through strong collaboration between employers, occupational health professionals, and mental health services. Occupational health professionals are often the first line of support for employees facing mental health challenges and play a pivotal role in identifying issues early and implementing or supporting tailored interventions. Organisations that integrate these services into their health and wellbeing strategies experience profound benefits—reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and a culture of trust that fosters employee engagement and retention.
“The creation of a UK-wide workplace mental health standard would offer a practical framework for businesses of all sizes to enhance their support structures and create healthier, more inclusive environments, while also ensuring that health professionals recognise the importance of work as essential treatment outcomes. However, the success of this standard depends on a united effort from employers, health professionals, and policymakers. We are also calling on the government to ensure that occupational health services are accessible to all organisations, empowering businesses and their employees to thrive.”
Dr Robin Cordell, President of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, said:
“People with mental health conditions impacting on them in their work, and/or where work factors are impacting on mental health, form a large proportion of those we see in day-to-day occupational health practice.
“We do see excellent examples of managers supporting their team members who have mental health conditions and/or factors outside work, and/or working with them to identify and mitigate stress factors in their work where possible. Timely referral to occupational health services helps reinforce these efforts to support and sustain people in work, and most employers we work with have employee assistance programmes and other initiatives to provide counselling and in some cases talking therapies. These efforts can reduce the risk of people falling out of work.
“However, these services cannot compensate for the challenges we observe in accessing timely specialist mental health support, and indeed healthcare more broadly. Furthermore, many employers do not currently engage services supporting health in work, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Providing guidance to employers on mental health in work sets the conditions to prevent ill health related to work, and a culture supporting people in their work.”
Footnotes
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,149 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th - 30th July 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). The full results are available. They show that up to 15% of respondents, or someone in their household, had taken time off work due to mental ill-health in the last year.
- 45% of respondents who had taken time off work due to mental ill-health had taken one month or more.
- Of the 2,149 respondents, 31% would not feel comfortable asking their employer for time off due to mental ill-health. Of the respondents who were actively working, 48% said they would feel uncomfortable.
- 32% of people aged 18-24 who were polled were not actively working. Of the remaining people, around 65% said they would feel uncomfortable asking their current workplace for time off work due to mental ill-health.
- The 2,149 respondents were asked to select up to three main contributors to poor mental health in the workplace. 51% selected poor work/life balance, 50% selected excessive workloads, 36% selected demanding management, 27% selected long or inflexible hours and 24% selected discrimination and harassment.
- The Scottish and Welsh governments have published resources designed to improve mental health in the workplace. See: Supporting a mentally healthy workplace - Workplace guidance - Healthy Working Lives - Public Health Scotland and Healthy Working Wales - Public Health Wales
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896