The research, which surveyed over 2,000 professionals, found that four in ten (43.9%) Brits even consider resigning from their job because of this, with a further 52.6% stating that their workplace doesn’t do enough to support employees.
When asked what their employer could do to help employees with mental health issues, the respondents suggested the following:
- Promote a healthy work-life balance (57.6%)
- Reduce pressure to work longer hours (38.5%)
- Allow employees to take time out when they need to (35.8%)
- Refer employees to a counselling service (34.9%)
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings:
“At this point in the year, daylight is dwindling, workplaces are getting back into full swing and the next pro-longed period of time off may seem far away. It's no wonder then that employees are already facing the post-summer blues.
“Indeed, the survey shows that Brits are feeling the impact of a culture where mental health is just not talked about enough, especially in the workplace. Considering employees spend a huge chunk of their week at work, the support you provide is key in helping them get back on their feet. Businesses need to send a clear signal that mental health will be treated in the same way as physical health.”
When asked who they’d be most likely to talk to about their mental health, a medical professional ranked highest (42.9%), with a partner (40.3%) and family (34.7%) following. Shockingly, a minute 4.3% of Brits listed their boss as who they’d talk to, underlining that they are not seeking support from their employers.
Biggins continues:
“Our research outlines just some of the areas that can help to ease the strain on mental health in the workplace. Alongside supporting a healthy work-life balance, whether that’s by encouraging employees to switch off or promoting remote and flexible working options, offering a counselling service is also a popular choice.
“Although the initial cost of such a service may give cause for concern, it’s vital to show that you’re an employer who cares. There’s plenty of ways to do this, but ultimately if you don’t act, you’ll end up losing employees who simply can’t cope with the pressures of the modern working world.”
About CV-Library
CV-Library is one of the UK’s largest online job sites and attracts over 4.3 million unique job seekers every month. Founded by Lee Biggins in 2000, CV-Library is the UK’s leading independent online job board with a database of over 14 million CVs.
