Shalini Khemka CBE, CEO and founder of E2E, asserts that poor mental health is the most significant issue confronting businesses today.
The impact of mental health on business is supported by alarming statistics. A 2020 Deloitte report highlighted that poor employee mental health costs UK employers between £42 billion and £45 billion annually, reflecting a 16% increase from 2017 figures.
Khemka emphasises the importance of employers taking proactive measures to safeguard their employees’ mental health. She notes, “Employees spend a third of their lives at work, making it imperative for employers to foster a positive and supportive work environment.”
The current pressures exacerbating mental health issues include inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. These factors, coupled with individual personal challenges, have led to nearly half (46%) of UK employers observing a rise in mental health issues among their staff. Furthermore, 57% of all working days lost to sickness are related to mental health, and 84% of employees do not feel comfortable disclosing mental health issues at work.
The strain on the NHS further complicates access to timely mental health support. Referrals to adult community mental health services rose by 11% in 2023, indicating the growing demand and limited capacity of public health services.
To address these challenges, it is essential to implement strategies such as the use of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). These trained individuals provide initial support and direct colleagues to further help, promoting early intervention and reducing stigma within the workplace.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are also recommended. These programmes offer various resources, such as counselling services, GP access, and financial and legal advice, providing comprehensive support to employees.
Moreover, promoting a healthy work/life balance is crucial. Encouraging employees to maintain clear boundaries, avoid out-of-hours work, and engage in healthy habits like adequate sleep and regular exercise can significantly enhance resilience and wellbeing.
Investing in employees’ mental health is not just beneficial for their wellbeing but also advantageous for business performance. “A happy and healthy workforce is better equipped to deliver outstanding results and support the future growth of the business,” Khemka concludes.