With 2.7 million working aged people reported to be too sick to work between November 2023 and January 2024 supporting the mental and physical health of employees is becoming a strategic imperative, not just a moral issue. In contrast the trend for work related illness was in decline during the 2000s and 2010s. The increase in worklessness is notably greater in the 16 to 24 and 50 to 64 aged groups. The aftereffects of Covid, long waiting times for NHS treatment and the significant decline of mental health in some age groups have all contributed to the figures.
So, what are the solutions? Managers needs to be better equipped to meet their staff and gain an understanding of how they are coping personally and professionally, offering support, or signposting them to appropriate service provision if needed. Employees need to have psychologically safe working environments, supportive and competent managers, and better designed and resourced teams and structures. In addition, benefits structures need to be in place to assist staff who need to balance their roles with caring responsibilities and manage conditions such as the menopause. Employers can also offer Employee Assistance Programmes that provide practical support such as financial and debt counselling as well as health and wellbeing advice. The investment in staff whilst they are in work and productive will help to ensure that they remain in employment, feel supported and increase morale.
For more information on employee wellbeing and engagement including Mental Health First Aid Training and First Aiders please get in touch.