Mental health is becoming a major driver of long-term sickness absence in the UK, with 47 per cent of HR directors and senior decision-makers saying it is now one of the leading causes of extended leave in their organisation.
This is according to research from MetLife UK, published ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The findings come as 17.1 million working days were lost to mental health-related sickness absence in 2025, making it one of the biggest contributors to workplace absenteeism in Britain.
Women accounted for the majority of lost days, with mental health linked to 10.2 per cent of all sickness absence days among women, compared with 7.3 per cent among men.
Other health conditions account for more lost days overall, but mental health-related absences are often longer and more complex, contributing to prolonged absence, burnout and lower productivity.
The research also found employers increasingly view workplace support as central to tackling the issue, with 31 per cent of HR leaders saying mental health support is the most effective measure for preventing sickness absence lasting more than four weeks.
MetLife UK lead medical service consultant Anthony Sly says: “Unlike physical illness or injury, mental health issues can be trickier to manage or spot in that they are more silent and less visible. Yet, with mental health conditions being one of the top reasons for employee absence, it is becoming a significant business risk.
“Too often poor mental health is caught too late. Mounting pressure transpires into burnout or something more physical, resulting in time needed off work. It’s imperative that early action is taken by employers to help intervene before things like stress, anxiety, or depression escalate into long‑term illness. When people feel supported early, they recover faster and stay connected to work. Early intervention is the only real prevention.”
