Burnt out Britain: Jobs are causing most of Britain’s workforce to suffer MENTAL ILLNESS

Just under 50 per cent of workers suffer from high stress levels and a quarter battle depression

 

BRITISH workers are under so much pressure that two thirds are suffering a range of mental health problems, latest research claims.

 

A new study has revealed more than half of UK employees have suffered from mental health problems while in employment.

Just under 50 per cent of workers suffer from high stress levels and a quarter battle depression, highlighting a worrying state of Britain’s workforce.

Of those who experienced mental health issues, half have taken time off from work as a result, demonstrating the impact this illness has on productivity.

 

Five per cent of people took six months off work in a bid to cope

 

Over 10 per cent took longer than a month off work and five per cent were off for a MORE than half a year in a bid to cope.

The findings also show for a large part, the working environment is to blame. 

One in five employees revealed their workplace had a negative impact on their mental health, with the most common causes being high pressure, excessive workloads and long working hours. 

Sadly, workplace bullying or unpleasant behaviour from a boss is also cited by 15 per cent as a cause of mental health worries.

 

One in five employees revealed their workplace had a negative impact on their mental health

Another cause concern found by the study is the amount of workers who suffer in silence. 

One in every five working Britons experiencing mental health issues feel embarrassed to ask for time off or make their boss aware of their torment.

Other reasons why burnt-out workers stay silent include the worry that their boss will think they can’t do their job properly and that employers will treat them differently if they find out. 

The stigma surround mental illness is also a grave concern. The research highlights that one in six “non-sufferers” believe treating stress like a physical illness is merely an “over-reaction.”

  

Working long hours and under immense pressure puts stress on workers

 

Paul Avis, marketing director of Canada Life Group, said: “It’s evident far more needs to be done to combat mental health problems in the workplace, and recognise it deserves equal footing to physical health. 

“Stress and depression are serious issues and need to be treated as such. The implications of ignoring mental health, or seeing it as less important than physical health, are hugely damaging to employee wellbeing and business culture.

“Too often mental health is swept under the carpet and ignored – either because of the stigma surrounding it or a lack of employer procedures in place.

“It’s in the interest of all employers to not only provide a safety net for those suffering with mental health problems, but crucially to be proactive. Tackling these issues early will give the best results for employees’ wellbeing, in turn boosting their productivity.”