The Hidden Cost of Poor Mental Health at Work

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue – it’s a workplace issue. And for employers, ignoring it comes at a higher cost than many realise.

According to a 2022 report by Deloitte UK, poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion each year. That figure includes everything from absenteeism and presenteeism (working while unwell) to staff turnover and lost productivity. For any business leader, that should be a wake-up call.

Productivity Is Taking a Hit

When employees are mentally unwell, they don’t just miss work, they struggle to perform when they’re present. Presenteeism is estimated to cost employers more than absenteeism, as unwell employees may be physically at their desks but unable to perform at their best.

Beyond the numbers, there’s also a human cost. High stress, anxiety, and burnout can lead to disengagement, reduced morale, and even long-term health issues. In today’s fast-paced work environments, ignoring mental health is not just unsustainable – it’s irresponsible.

The Ripple Effect on Company Culture

Unchecked mental health issues can quietly erode your company culture. Teams become less collaborative. Innovation suffers. Employee trust declines, especially if workers feel they can’t talk openly about their feelings.

In contrast, organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing often see improvements in morale, retention, and productivity. Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just good ethics – it’s smart business.

What Can Employers Do?

It starts with awareness and action. Here are a few ways employers can lead the way:

• Train managersto recognise signs of stress and burnout.
• Offer mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs.
• Encourage work-life balancethrough flexible policies.
• Create an open culturewhere mental health is not taboo.
• Regularly check inwith employees – not just about performance, but about well-being.

At Altum HR, we help businesses build proactive, supportive HR policies that protect mental health at work. Whether it’s developing an employee wellbeing strategy, training your leadership team, or offering guidance through challenging HR situations, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today.

Final Thought

The cost of poor mental health at work is real, but so is the opportunity to make a difference. By investing in your people’s wellbeing, you’re not just protecting your bottom line – you’re building a healthier, more resilient workplace.