11% of workers took mental health sick leave in 2024 – Simplyhealth

One in nine (11%) workers in the UK took time off for mental health reasons last year, according to data from Simplyhealth. 

Data showed that over a quarter of those off for mental health took more than two weeks away from work. 

Younger workers aged 18 to 34 were most likely to take time off, at 16%, compared to 10% among 35 to 54-year-olds.

Mental health was the third most common reason for sickness absence, behind minor illnesses and muscle or joint pain. 

Most people off for minor illnesses or musculoskeletal problems took up to two days off, while longer absences were more common for mental health, with 27% taking over two weeks.

Previous NHS data estimated 875,000 workers were affected by work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million lost working days.

Three-quarters of employers said they felt more responsible for staff health due to increased NHS waiting times, but only 40% offered health plans or employee assistance programmes. 

Of those offering health benefits, 46% saw staff taking fewer sick days.

Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said: “With workers increasingly taking time off for mental health issues, employers need access to simple, easy and affordable solutions for their employees – particularly when it comes to mental health support.

“By offering mental health benefits to their employees, businesses can support their workers by preventing symptoms from worsening in the first place, encouraging a healthy, happy, and productive workforce.”

Mark Rowland, CEO at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “Proper support is critical to help employees struggling with mental health and prevent conditions worsening in the long term. 

“While there’s an urgent need for policy changes to better support those struggling, there is also a place for employers to offer accessible and efficient mental health services. 

“This could range from access to 24/7 helplines to long-term counselling, or even mental health first aid training.”

Rowland added: “This year’s mental health awareness week’s theme is community. For workers, our colleagues often form a part of our community, hence why it is so important we feel supported in this huge part of our daily lives.”