Employee mental health in the UK has been getting worse over the past 10 years, with rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout increasing during this time, according to Vitality.
The data reveals that anxiety and depression rates among UK workers have risen by 75 per cent. Burnout now affects just over 1 in 10 employees, with 15 per cent reporting symptoms. It has a significant impact on productivity, and according to Vitality, employees experiencing burnout lose 119 per cent more productive time than those who are not affected.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term work stress. Common symptoms include constant tiredness, headaches, muscle or joint pain, high blood pressure, difficulty concentrating, ongoing anxiety, procrastination, and reduced work output.
The research also found that younger workers are 15 per cent more likely to experience burnout than older colleagues. This suggests that younger people may be missing out on the support they need to manage stress at work.
VitalityHealth CEO Arun Thiyagarajan says: “This data highlights the high risk that burnout poses to both individuals and businesses, and the benefits that are available by prioritising workplace health and supporting employee.
“This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and given more of the UK workforce than ever before are reporting not only burnout but a range of mental health concerns, it is a chance for us all to reflect, and look at what more we can do to focus on prevention across the whole workforce, and providing relevant and timely support to those that need it.”
