Alarming Rise in Work-Related Mental Health Issues

Recent data from regulatory bodies and industry reports reveal a concerning upward trend in work-related mental health conditions across both the UK and Ireland. Stress, depression, and anxiety are increasingly prevalent, posing significant challenges for employees and employers alike.

In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that an estimated 964,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2024/25. This figure marks a substantial 24 per cent increase from the previous year (776,000 workers) and is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. These conditions now account for 52% of all work-related ill health cases, making them the primary driver of workplace illness. The impact is considerable, with an estimated 22.1 million working days lost in 2024/25 due to these mental health-related conditions.

Similarly, in Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has highlighted the growing importance of psychological wellbeing in the workplace. Research indicates that over 60% of Irish workers report higher stress levels compared to pre-pandemic times, driven by factors such as hybrid working challenges and economic uncertainty. While 76% of Irish employers recognise their responsibility in supporting employee mental health, only a third have implemented organisational responses, and just one-fifth have allocated dedicated budgets for mental health initiatives. This disparity between recognition and action is a significant concern.

Key Drivers and Impact on the Workforce

Workload, Deadlines, and Industry Pressures

Several factors contribute to the escalating mental health crisis in the workplace. High workload pressures, including tight deadlines and excessive responsibility, are consistently cited as primary causes of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. The public administration and defence sector, human health and social work, and education consistently show higher-than-average rates of work-related mental health issues in the UK.

In Ireland, emotional demands at work are a strong predictor of job stress, particularly in service and health sectors. The average length of absence due to stress, anxiety, and depression in Ireland was 17 days.

The Cost of Poor Mental Health

Beyond the personal toll on individuals, poor workplace mental health carries substantial economic consequences. The estimated annual cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health in the UK reached £22.9 billion in 2023/24. Work-related mental health issues are estimated to cost the UK economy £57.4 billion annually. In Ireland, mental health issues cost the economy approximately €11 billion annually, largely through lost productivity.

The CIPD's 2025 Health and Wellbeing at Work survey found that the average number of sickness absence days has risen sharply to 9.4 days per employee per year across the UK, the highest level in over 15 years. Mental ill health is now the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence, with stress also contributing significantly to both categories.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see health and safety trainer qualifications or explore stress management trainer qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Employer Responsibilities and Proactive Strategies

Legal Obligations and Government Initiatives

Employers in both the UK and Ireland have a legal responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, which includes safeguarding mental health. The HSA in Ireland explicitly states that employers have a strong legal duty to protect staff from all hazards, including psychosocial hazards that can affect mental health. Psychosocial health is now a key Occupational Health inspection area for 2026 in Ireland.

The UK government is also taking steps to address this issue. The WorkWell programme, a health-and-employment support service, is being rolled out across England to help people with health conditions, including mental illness, stay in or return to work. This initiative aims to provide personalised, early help and connect individuals to local services such as counselling and workplace adjustments.

Creating Supportive Work Environments

While regulatory action is crucial, experts suggest that incentives for both employers and employees may prove more fruitful than solely relying on regulation. Many organisations are already taking steps to identify and reduce stress, with 64% in the UK taking such measures, although only 50% believe their efforts are effective.

  • Holistic Wellbeing Strategies: Mental health remains a key focus of organisations' employee health and wellbeing activities, with 89% of UK organisations focusing on it. More organisations are adopting a strategic approach to workplace wellbeing, with 57% now having a stand-alone wellbeing strategy, an increase of 13% since 2020.
  • Manager Training and Support: Line managers play a critical role in supporting employee mental health, but often require better tools and training. Providing tailored support and training in absence-handling and stress management for line managers is essential.
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): EAPs offer free, confidential support for employees addressing personal challenges that may affect their work performance, health, and wellbeing, including mental health.
  • Open Communication and Reducing Stigma: Fostering a supportive work environment where mental health is openly discussed is crucial. However, only 13-14% of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health openly at work, and 45% feel uncomfortable discussing concerns with their manager due to fear of negative repercussions.

The ongoing mental health crisis in the workplace demands a concerted and proactive effort from all stakeholders. Prioritising mental wellbeing is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of creating productive, resilient, and healthy workforces.

For organisations looking to enhance their understanding and implementation of mental health and wellbeing strategies in the workplace, Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers valuable resources and training.