As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s an important reminder to shine a spotlight on the growing mental health challenges facing employees across the UK. While conversations around mental wellbeing are thankfully becoming more open, the statistics remain stark, and employers must take meaningful action.
At Zenith, we work closely with employers and individuals every day. We see firsthand how pressures at work can affect people’s mental health, and why now, more than ever, we need to build supportive, understanding, and proactive workplace environments.
The Facts We Can’t Ignore
According to recent data, one in six workers in the UK experiences a mental health problem at any given time. That’s a significant proportion of the workforce who may be dealing with problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout, often in silence. Mental Health is now responsible for around 12.7% of all sickness absence, and the issue shows no sign of slowing.
Even more concerning is the rise in presenteeism, when people continue to work despite being unwell. It’s estimated this leads to a loss of up to 44 productive days per employee, every year. Not only does this impact individuals’ health, but it also has a knock-on effect on team performance, morale, and overall business productivity.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Poor mental health is not just a human issue, it’s an economic one too. UK employers are facing annual costs of around £56 billion because of mental health-related absence, reduced productivity and staff turnover. But it’s not all doom and gloom. For every £1 invested in mental health support and intervention, employers can expect to see a return of £5, a powerful argument for making wellbeing a strategic priority.
Flexible working, supportive leadership, and accessible mental health resources are proven ways to improve employee wellbeing. Yet too many workplaces still lack the training or awareness to implement these effectively.
How We’re Playing Our Part this Mental Health Awareness Week
At Zenith, we’re committed to changing the conversation around workplace wellbeing. Through our apprenticeship and training programmes, including Business Administration, Customer Service, and Leadership & People Management, we equip learners with the skills they need to thrive, not just professionally but personally too.
We also work with employers to promote a culture where wellbeing is taken seriously, where people feel safe to speak up, supported when they’re struggling, and empowered to look after their mental health.
It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a lasting change.
Time to Take Action
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to start the conversation, but it shouldn’t stop there. Let’s use this time to reflect on what more we can do to support our teams, challenge stigma, and build workplaces where everyone can flourish.
Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or an apprentice starting in your career, prioritising mental health is no longer optional; it’s essential.
Let’s make it the norm.
For more resources and information about Mental Health Awareness Week, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website!