- Chris Morse

All of us experience the ebb and flow of mental health throughout our lives but with almost 15% of working-age adults reporting a long-term mental health condition (up more than 5% in the past decade) and rising stress levels, especially among younger workers, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week and its focus on ‘action’ brings into sharp focus the challenge faced by employers. Whilst by no means a new phenomenon, it is a growing one.

Sickness absence is likely one of the most common (and challenging) issues employers are faced with. Sickness absence rates in the UK have been steadily climbing in recent years, with a cost to the economy now estimated at over £100 billion per year. To put that into perspective, in 2025/26 the UK government is budgeting to spend £83 billion on defence. The ONS reports that in 2022 alone, 44.3 million days of work were lost in the UK through sickness absence, with minor illnesses making up 23.9%.

We are currently in Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, which runs from 12 to 18 May. It is held each year by the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness of mental health and promote mental wellbeing for all. This year’s theme is ‘community’ to highlight the importance of a safe and supportive community for mental wellbeing. Of course the workplace is a community and it is important for employers to consider how they can support mental wellbeing in the workplace.