Approaching mental health within the workforce is likely one of the biggest challenges currently facing HR. Whilst the lived experiences of workers may well be deeply personal, a considered approach from the function has the potential to not only improve overall workforce wellbeing and productivity, but also the lives of workers who may well be struggling.
Statistics released by REBA (Rewards and Benefits Association) found that, even before the pandemic, 15% of people at work were experiencing mental health difficulties at any one time, at an estimated cost of £33–£42billion annually to UK employers. In 2019, work-related stress accounted for 37% of all work-related ill-health cases and 45% of all working days lost due to ill health.