More than one in five UK employees feel unable to discuss their mental health in the workplace, according to new research. The analysis reveals that 7.5 million workers struggle with anxiety, depression or stress that is caused or exacerbated by their jobs, yet do not feel safe disclosing their difficulties to employers.
Drawing on data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the study also shows a gender gap in seeking help. In the past year, 3.9 million men reported suffering with mental health issues at work without asking for support—8% more than the 3.5 million women who said they experienced similar challenges.
Automotive workplaces emerged as the sector with the highest proportion of ‘silent’ sufferers, at 1.13 million, followed by health and social care settings, where 1.11 million individuals reported managing mental health issues privately. In contrast, the arts, entertainment and recreation industry—and the financial and insurance sector—had the lowest numbers of people struggling unseen, at 264,000 and 256,000 respectively.
Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, who conducted the research describes the findings as “shocking,” pointing out that despite recent progress in tackling stigma, workers are still not comfortable disclosing mental health difficulties. “Our research shines a very necessary light on the issue to help employers better understand just how widespread mental health challenges are. Change begins in the workplace, and with the right culture and training, employers can ensure their businesses are safe spaces for all who work there,” he said.
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7.5 million UK workers ‘suffer in silence’ over mental health challenges at work