A significant portion of professionals are hesitant to request mental health leave, reflecting a broader issue of workplace culture.
- 67% of professionals in the UK feel uncomfortable asking for mental health leave from their employers.
- 28% would not consider discussing mental health concerns at all, indicating a persistent taboo.
- The increase in mental health-related sick leaves has prompted government efforts to revise current policies.
- Employers’ lack of preparedness for mental health issues exacerbates presenteeism and stress-related work challenges.
Across various industries, a substantial 67% of UK professionals express discomfort in requesting mental health leave, underscoring a persistent stigma in workplace environments. This hesitation to speak up is accentuated by the fact that over a quarter of professionals avoid the conversation entirely, highlighting a significant barrier in addressing mental health at work.
According to recent data from Robert Walters, the unease surrounding mental health discussions is part of a larger ‘mental health crisis’ epitomized by a surge in sick leave due to mental health conditions. In response to this growing concern, the government has announced plans to overhaul the current sick-note system, a move considered necessary as sick leave figures reach a decade high.
Presenteeism remains a critical issue, with 49% of professionals admitting they continue working despite poor mental health. Only a minority, about 10%, report immediately taking sick leave when needed. This behavior often stems from anxieties about job stability, with professionals fearing falling behind on projects, thereby compromising their positions.
Coral Bamgboye from Robert Walters points out that such self-imposed pressure may drive professionals to eventually require extended breaks from work due to exacerbated conditions. Despite this, 62% of professionals report taking less time off compared to the previous year, despite no notable improvements in employee wellbeing.
Champion Health’s survey reinforces these findings, indicating that poor mental health significantly affects productivity for 20% of employees in the UK, a statistic worsened by inadequate management practices. An alarming two-thirds of managers lack formal HR training, and 40% describe a weak relationship with HR, diminishing their ability to support employees with mental health concerns.
Moreover, only half of the workforce reports having access to a clear mental health policy, and 26% remain uncertain about its presence in their organizations. This lack of clarity fosters a ‘culture of silence,’ impeding employees from seeking necessary support.
To counteract these challenges, employers are urged to implement accessible mental health policies, tailor approaches to specific employee needs, and enhance training for leadership to ensure open dialogues around mental health. Ignoring these steps may lead to broader repercussions given the current economic climate and heightened work pressures.
Addressing the unease surrounding mental health leave is critical for fostering a supportive workplace.
