Unmind, the provider of mental health solutions, has released research underscoring the vital need for workplace mental health interventions to support the UK’s workforce and economy.

Gen Z battling with mental-health related inactivity while PM wants to get young people back into work

With the government focusing on getting Britain ‘fit for work’, the research shows that Gen Z are suffering in the UK workplace, with almost a third being signed off sick for mental health reasons in the last year. This equates to 1.7 million young people having to miss work at a time when they are being encouraged to be more productive – with serious knock-on effects for the UK economy.

Indeed recent ONS numbers show that the UK economy’s inactivity rate amongst 16-24 has increased from 39% in 2019 to 41.2% this year – highlighting the crucial need for workplaces to rethink their approach to employee mental health to avoid absences.

Wider population affected but many aren’t aware of support available

It’s not just young people – overall figures show that 16% of the UK working population (5.3m Brits) has been signed off sick for mental health reasons in 2024.

Of those, 4 in 5 say their workplace played a role in the decline in their mental health, with almost 1 in 5 saying their company penalised them for having been off sick. A further fifth (20%) said their workplace didn’t acknowledge their requests for adjustments coming back to work either.

Highlighting the gap between need and provision, the research also found that almost one in five (19%) say they would be uncomfortable telling their employer they need time off for mental health reasons. This number increases to a quarter of women (26%) and over 55s (27%).

When workplaces have resources available to help employees facing challenges, these are often limited to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) – and not always clearly signposted. Only 41% of respondents are aware their company has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Of those who were aware, Gen Z are by far the most proactive at accessing the support at nearly two thirds (63%) compared to 40% generally.

Employees say flexible working and AI can help provide solutions

The research shows employees would welcome further support options to go beyond EAPs in the workplace. A flexible working environment is the top priority for Brits (35%) – with separate research from International Workplace Group showing that four in five (80%) employees saying their overall wellbeing had significantly improved due to the greater flexibility offered by hybrid working. A study by Stanford Professor Nicholas Bloom further found that productivity increased in flexible working companies by around 3-4%, also providing a significant boost to the bottom line.

AI is also part of the mix of solutions. Almost a third (29%) would trust AI wellbeing advice, rising significantly in younger demographics – almost half (47% and 46% respectively) of 18-24s and 25-34s.

Dr Nick Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of Unmind, commented: “The research clearly highlights the need for employers to step up in helping their staff thrive, especially younger employees which are disproportionately affected by mental health related absences. Many solutions are available to not only address absenteeism, but create a workplace environment that empowers employees and fosters positive cultures.

“It's time for employers to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing, one that goes beyond traditional EAPs and incorporates the flexibility and innovation that today's employees are clearly asking for. We are committed to being at the forefront of this change, helping to build a world where mental health is universally understood, nurtured, and celebrated."

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