What employers can learn from the Mental Health UK Burnout Report
Posted on 18th January 2025 at 11:29
91% of UK adults are drowning in stress. And it's our younger workers who are gasping for air the most.
That's the stark news from the new Mental Health UK Burnout Report 2025. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the current state of workplace stress and burnout, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by younger workers.
The report reveals a concerning trend: 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year.
There is a widening generational divide in workplace stress.
Employees aged 18-24 disproportionately affected, with 35% needing time off due to poor mental health caused by stress - the highest of any age group.
A particularly worrying finding is the sharp decline in younger workers' willingness to discuss stress with their managers.
The percentage of 18-24 year olds comfortable opening up to a line manager about pressure and stress plummeted from 75% in 2024 to just 56% in 2025. This suggests a breakdown in trust that urgently needs addressing.
The report also highlights the impact of delayed access to NHS mental health care. Worryingly, 28% of 18-24 year olds reported taking time off work due to health challenges while waiting for NHS treatment - three times higher than those aged 55 and over (9%).
These findings resonate with broader trends we're seeing in UK workplace sickness levels. The Office for National Statistics reports that UK employees took an average of 5.7 sick days in 2022, the highest rate in over a decade. Mental health issues account for 7.9% of these absences, underlining the critical need for better support.
So, what can HR managers and employers do to support their younger staff and prevent burnout?
The Mental Health UK report offers several key recommendations:
🆘 Create mental health strategies with input from younger workers to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
🆘 Build environments where mental health is prioritised and diverse voices are heard.
🆘 Take ownership of employee health and provide mental health support services in the workplace
🆘 Offer training for managers on flexible working and reasonable adjustments to support employees' diverse needs.
🆘 Have wellbeing check-ins during one-to-ones and team meetings.
🆘 Create a culture that normalises taking time off for health reasons.
At Verve Healthcare, we're committed to helping organisations keep their employees healthy, happy, and productive.
Our Verve On-Demand service provides employees with straightforward access to mental health support, physiotherapy, and private GP services.
We understand that every workplace is unique, which is why we offer flexible, pay-as-you-go options that allow you to tailor support to your specific needs.
If you're an HR manager or employer looking to enhance your mental health support, particularly for younger workers, we'd love to chat.
Our team can help you develop a strategy that not only addresses the challenges highlighted in the Mental Health UK report but also aligns with your organisation's specific needs and culture.
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