Employee Survey Software Business Stribe Analyses 2025 Health Data, Revealing Mental Health Challenges and Opportunities in the Workplace

As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10th, the urgency for organizations to invest in mental health initiatives cannot be overstated. Analysis conducted by Stribe—a leading employee survey software company—uncovers that every £1 spent on mental health support yields a staggering £5.30 in benefits for UK businesses through reduced absenteeism and employee turnover. This startling revelation is set against a backdrop of a mental health crisis that costs the UK economy a staggering 16.4 million working days each year due to stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Long-term Absence Crisis

Data consistently indicates that mental ill health is the primary driver of long-term absence in the workplace, responsible for 41% of long-term sick days. Additionally, it ranks as the second leading cause of short-term absences, contributing to 29% of sick leave taken over periods of four weeks or less. The implications are alarming; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 16.4 million working days were lost to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the financial year 2022/23, accounting for nearly half (49%) of all workdays lost due to illness or non-fatal injury.

Further statistics reveal that individuals suffering from work-related stress or anxiety typically take an average of 21.1 days off work annually. The challenge is compounded by a broader workforce trend: 1 in 7 employees report facing mental health issues while at work, contributing to a record average of 9.4 working days lost per employee across all forms of absence.

“The data paints a stark picture of the current mental health landscape,” states Dr. Emma Larkins, a leading researcher in workplace wellness at the London School of Economics. “Failure to address mental health not only impacts the individual but significantly hampers organizational productivity and morale.” The crisis is projected to worsen, with seasonal fluctuations indicating that employee absences related to anxiety and depression often peak in the months leading up to the New Year.

The Younger Employee Impact

Younger employees, especially those aged 18-24, face unique pressures that exacerbate mental health challenges. The latest data reveals that 48% of young workers are engaged in unpaid overtime, and 46% feel compelled to take on extra hours due to escalating living costs. Such burdens create a pronounced impact on their work-life balance, with only one-third of this demographic able to disconnect from work when needed, a stark contrast to the 46% of older employees who report a healthier work-life separation.

Worryingly, a recent study from YouGov indicates a significant decline in younger workers’ willingness to discuss workplace stress with their managers—dropping from 75% to 56% in just one year. This shift highlights an urgent need for companies to rebuild trust and create an environment conducive to open dialogue about mental health.

• 89% of employees affirm that neglecting mental health directly affects their work life.
• More than half of employees have contemplated resigning due to poor mental wellbeing.
• A staggering 22.6% of UK adults currently report signs of depression or anxiety.

Dr. Natalie Jenkins, a psychologist specializing in youth mental health, comments, “The current statistics reveal that young workers are in crucial need of effective mental health interventions. Solutions such as reasonable adjustments and well-trained managers can have immediate positive effects on their wellbeing.” Effective management practices more significantly influence younger employees’ performance than ever before.

Over Half Would Quit Due to Poor Mental Wellbeing

Unsurprisingly, the consequences of ignoring mental health in the workplace are dire. Stribe’s research shows that when mental health concerns are overlooked, a staggering 89% of employees note a detrimental effect on their work life, and over half have contemplated resignation. The CBI estimates that the overall cost to UK employers due to poor mental health falls between £53 and £56 billion each year, underscoring the high stakes of inaction.

NHS data further illuminates this urgent issue, indicating that 2.15 million individuals were engaged with mental health services at the end of July 2025. The data also revealed that the proportion of UK adults exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety has risen significantly from 19.7% to 22.6% over time—clear evidence of the pressing need for proactive workplace mental health strategies.

Lucy Harvey, COO at Stribe, emphasizes the business rationale behind mental health investment in her statement: “This World Mental Health Day sends a strong message: Supporting mental health is crucial not only for individuals but also for the financial health of businesses. A £5.30 return for every £1 spent is compelling evidence of this fact.”

Stribe’s findings also indicate the necessity of empowering line managers who, after receiving training in mental health support, demonstrate a 73% confidence rate in handling sensitive discussions related to employee wellbeing. However, only 29% of organizations currently invest in equipping managers with the skills to facilitate these crucial conversations.

Harvey adds, “By strengthening mental health support in the workplace, companies not only safeguard employee wellbeing but also foster loyalty and retention. Simple strategies, like appointing a mental health first aider or ensuring regular feedback loops through employee surveys, can substantially enhance the workplace environment.” The role of proactive management in addressing mental health issues has never been more critical, particularly in a landscape marked by escalating pressures and changing workforce dynamics.

Employers are faced with an imperative: investing in mental health is no longer a discretionary benefit—it’s a fundamental necessity that directly influences productivity, morale, and retention. As the clock ticks toward World Mental Health Day, businesses stand at a crossroads, and the choice to act decisively could reshape the future of work for the better.

Source: hrnews.co.uk