In light of recent findings, a significant number of UK GPs are reporting an increase in patients seeking help for work-related stress and anxiety.
- 92% of General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK report a rise in medical consultations for work-related stress and anxiety since the pandemic began.
- A recent survey shows a stark increase in stress among younger individuals, with 64% of GPs noting heightened anxiety in those aged 16-24.
- Several factors, including financial insecurity and increased workloads, are cited as primary contributors to this mental health crisis.
- Both employees and medical professionals urge employers to enhance their mental health support strategies.
UK General Practitioners (GPs) have observed a marked increase in patients seeking medical advice for work-related stress and anxiety since the onset of the pandemic, according to new research. The study by Perkbox reveals that 92% of GPs have noticed this trend, with 68% indicating that demands for support have escalated over the past three months alone.
This issue is particularly pronounced among younger individuals, notably 16-24-year-olds, with 64% of GPs reporting a surge in stress and anxiety cases within this demographic. Similarly, increases were noted among 25-34-year-olds and 34-49-year-olds, with rises of 54% and 43% respectively.
The contributing factors to this phenomenon include financial insecurity, returning to the workplace, and increased workloads. These stressors have significantly impacted employees’ lives, leading to disruptions in sleep and diet for over half of those surveyed, while nearly one-third have increased their alcohol consumption.
Medical professionals, including Sir Cary Cooper, stress the need for employers to adopt more effective strategies for mental well-being support. Professor Cooper highlighted that prior to the pandemic, workplace stress was already a leading cause of long-term sickness absence, a situation now worsened by current economic and workplace challenges.
GPs recommend key improvements, such as offering flexible working hours, manager training for mental well-being support, and the provision of well-being tools and information. Employees echo this need, expressing a desire for more recognition and the elimination of the traditional 9-5:30 working day in favour of flexibility.
Gautam Sahgal, CEO of Perkbox, emphasises that the pandemic has prompted employees to reassess their workplace needs, pressing for enhanced mental health support and a balance between work and life. Sahgal points out that small initiatives, like access to mindfulness apps or financial training, when combined, can foster a culture of genuine workplace wellbeing.
As work-related stress becomes increasingly prevalent, the call for improved workplace mental health strategies grows ever more urgent.
