Wellbeing study | Mental health transparency at work rises, but staff seek more time for exercise

A new survey of 8,000 UK adults has highlighted an increase in mental health transparency in the workplace.

This year, 32% of UK employees said they called in sick due to poor mental health but gave another reason*. While this is still over a quarter, it’s lower than the findings from Nuffield Health’s 2023 report, with the percentage last year being 35 percent.

Nuffield Health’s 2024 Healthier Nation Index also revealed that 56 percent went to work despite poor mental health– down seven percent from last year (63%).

While it's clear that stigma still acts as a barrier to open discussions between employees and employers about their mental health at work, the improvement indicates a positive step towards better communication, with people getting more comfortable admitting they need rest, emotional support and time away from their desks.