Employees stay silent on mental health problems

Few employees would admit to suffering from depression or anxiety to their employer — even when taking time off to deal with it. This is despite the fact that a significant proportion of UK employees are suffering from depression or anxiety.

The findings come from a study commissioned by AI mental health app developer Wysa who revealed that just one in eight employees said they would be comfortable admitting to their employer to needing time off for mental ill health.

Yet two-thirds disclosed to the study that they had indeed taken time off but lied to their employer about it.

The majority said that, rather than talk to their HR team about mental health issues, they would prefer to consult an app.

The problem is particularly acute among young people, 44% of whom suffer from moderate or severe anxiety and a similar proportion (46%) from depression.

Data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published in November 2022 showed the UK lost 17 million working days to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2021-22.

While “people clearly are experiencing distressing and at times severe symptoms of anxiety and depression”, said Ross O’Brien, Wysa’s UK managing director, “they’re not speaking out”.

Steve Herbert, wellbeing, and benefits director at insurance advisors Partnersand, suggests employers ensure their company-sponsored employee benefits offering is comprehensive.