Research indicates that Gen Z and young millennial employees in Britain are missing the equivalent of one full day’s work each week due to mental health challenges.
A study conducted by Vitality, a global health and life insurer with over 30 million members, reveals that the average U.K. worker is unable to work for nearly 50 days annually, resulting in a staggering cost of £138 billion ($176 billion) to the British economy. Among those under 30, the figure rises to 60 lost days per year. In contrast, Gen X and baby boomers report an average of 36.3 days absent due to mental health issues, highlighting a significant 64% disparity.
The findings suggest a troubling trend: younger, less affluent workers are facing considerable mental health difficulties without sufficient support from their employers. While physical health challenges contribute to a 54% decline in productivity, mental health issues result in a staggering 150% loss in productive days, particularly among younger employees.
Additionally, depression rates among younger workers are reportedly twice as high, with increased levels of burnout and fatigue compared to their older colleagues. Workers earning less than £30,000 ($38,000) annually report feeling 86% more unsupported by their workplaces than their higher-income peers.
These factors may explain why, in 2023, the average worker took only six sick days, with most lost hours attributed to ineffective work. Specifically, Gen Z employees reportedly show up for 54 days a year without making any meaningful contributions due to mental health barriers and a reluctance to seek assistance from supervisors.
Low Utilization of Wellness Programs
Despite the availability of mental health resources, utilization rates remain alarmingly low. Only 25% of the 4,000 surveyed individuals reported using the wellness tools offered by their employers. However, 85% of those who did engage with these resources found them beneficial, suggesting that either employers struggle to effectively communicate the available support or that many workers fear accepting help from their employers.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, emphasized the need for companies to improve awareness of their support resources. “If health at work is properly managed, both businesses and the wider economy stand to gain significantly,” he stated.
Rising Burnout Rates Prompt Calls for Action
Vitality’s findings coincide with a warning from Mental Health UK, which indicates that Britain may be on the brink of becoming a “burnt-out nation.” According to its 2024 Burnout Report, nine in ten adults have experienced high or extreme levels of stress and pressure over the past year, with one in five taking time off as a result. The report highlights that younger employees are statistically the most affected.
Brian Dow, chief executive of Mental Health UK, remarked, “The U.K. is rapidly becoming a burnt-out nation, and a worrying number of people are taking time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress.” He noted that while high levels of work absence due to mental health issues present a significant challenge, the underlying causes are multifaceted.
In response, Dow has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address these issues and assist businesses in managing the costs associated with ongoing absences. He even suggested a “national summit” involving government officials and experts to discuss strategies for creating healthy workplaces and providing support for individuals struggling with stress and mental health challenges.
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