One in three UK employees have a high mental health risk driven by workplace isolation and loneliness according to a new international health survey.
Telus Health’s mental health index tracker the wellbeing of workers in a number of developed economies including the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia and New Zealand.
Its data highlighted the problem of workplace isolation in the UK, particularly among younger employees. It found that workers under 40 are 80 per cent more likely to lack trusted workplace relationships, when compared to workers over 50.
In total over 20 per cent of UK workers said their workplace does not offer this support, and those without this support were three and half times more likely to feel isolated.
Telus Health said that isolation and loneliness were increasingly affecting employee mental health, physical wellbeing and productivity.
In total the index found 33 per cent of workers have a high mental health risk, 41 per cent have a ‘moderate’ mental health risk and just 26 per cent were deemed as being ‘low’ risk when it came to suffering mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Telus Health pointed out that the World Health Organisation declared loneliness to a pressing issue and it has now recognised this as a health risk, alongside other issues such as smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity. Recently the US surgeon general said that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Telus Health global leader research & client insights Paula Allen says: “The index findings reflect a concerning reality, in particular for our younger workers. It also impacts businesses as loneliness and social isolation negatively impact both health and workplace productivity.”
She adds: “Rapid societal changes, alongside diminishing social support, are taking their toll. Additionally, there are challenges like inflation, housing affordability and job loss risks that are clear stressors, especially at the start of a person’s career when there is typically less financial stability.
“Organisations can help by focusing on building a culture of trust, which counters isolation, and highlighting their health, personal and financial programs, which offer crucial support.”
Efforts to combat the negative impacts of isolation and loneliness on employee health and productivity not only improve wellbeing but also have financial benefits for employers.
However Telus found that 20 per cent of workers rate their employer’s mental health benefits and services as poor, while 25 per cent are unaware these resources are available.
