The recent ‘Colleagues in Crisis Report’ reveals concerning mental health trends among UK employees, especially the young.
- A quarter of UK workers have considered self-harm in the two weeks prior to the survey, with more than a third affected over the past year.
- Emotional withdrawal, isolation, and other depressive symptoms are prevalent among employees, especially those aged 18-24.
- Real estate professionals report the highest rates of mental health issues, with misconceptions about employers’ support in focus.
- Experts urge UK companies to tackle mental health stigma and provide better support mechanisms in the workplace.
The alarming results of the ‘Colleagues in Crisis Report’ highlight significant mental health issues affecting UK employees, particularly the younger workforce. Over a quarter of employees have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide recently, expanding to over one-third over the past year. The study, conducted by an accredited third-party research agency and involving 2,182 participants, underscores the widespread nature of these issues across various industries.
Younger employees, especially those aged 18 to 24, are most vulnerable. Nearly half report feelings of emotional distance from colleagues, with 39% experiencing isolation. Such figures illustrate the mental health struggles faced by younger workers, pointing to the urgent need for effective support systems.
The troubling statistics extend beyond personal struggles. 15% of employees have witnessed a colleague attempt or die by suicide in the past year. Meanwhile, a significant portion of workers express concern over their colleagues’ well-being, with 26% fearing that a co-worker might harm themselves. Despite these concerns, one in three employees believe their employers fail to address serious mental health problems adequately.
Real estate professionals report particularly high levels of mental health crises, with 61% considering self-harm or suicide. The issue is similarly pronounced in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and engineering. Furthermore, there is widespread dissatisfaction with how employers handle mental health in the workplace, with half of the real estate workers witnessing inappropriate managerial responses to colleagues in distress.
The findings challenge UK employers to improve workplace mental health support. As Ramakant Vempati of Wysa emphasized, “even one person contemplating suicide or self-harm is too high.” Vempati advocates for equipping workplaces with the necessary tools and training to identify crises and offer critical interventions, aiming to foster a supportive and understanding work environment.
The report calls for urgent action from employers to address the mental health crisis affecting the UK workforce.
