A concerning number of individuals taking time off work due to poor mental health is placing the UK at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation,” according to Mental Health UK. The charity’s chief executive, Brian Dow, has suggested that global issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence are contributing to a pervasive sense of hopelessness, fueling burnout.
A recent YouGov survey, encompassing 2,060 adults, including 1,132 workers, unveiled that 35% faced high or extreme levels of pressure in the workplace in the past year. Furthermore, 20% of respondents required time off due to poor mental health induced by work-related stress during the same period.
Dow expressed deep concern, stating, “The UK is rapidly becoming a burnt-out nation,” emphasizing the alarming number of people taking leave due to poor mental health. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, citing changing attitudes towards mental health and work, compounded by the transformation of workplaces during the pandemic.
The chief executive urged the government to intervene and provide enhanced support for the workforce, calling for a “national conversation” on the matter.
Deidre Bowen, the director of national programs at Mental Health UK, shared her personal experience of burnout in a previous role, describing feelings of exhaustion, constant jitteriness, and persistent headaches. Bowen emphasized the need for employers to take concrete actions to prevent burnout and prioritize employee well-being.
Mental Health UK has called upon Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to organize a national summit, bringing together ministers, employers, and experts to formulate strategies for creating healthy workplaces and better supporting workers.
In response to these concerns, a government spokesperson stated, “We are investing £2.3bn into mental health services and putting almost 400,000 extra people through NHS talking therapies.” The spokesperson highlighted the clear link between work and mental health and outlined the government’s plan to help individuals, including those with long-term health conditions, overcome barriers to work.
However, the YouGov survey also revealed troubling statistics, with 35% of individuals feeling uncomfortable voicing concerns about pressure and stress to line managers or company leaders. Additionally, 31% reported bullying and intimidation by colleagues as the cause of their stress in the last year. Almost half (49%) of workers felt their employers lacked a plan to identify signs of chronic stress, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address the growing issue of workplace-related stress and burnout.
