The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics for workplace health and safety, revealing worrying trends in work-related ill health for 2024/25. According to the report, an estimated 1.9 million UK workers suffered from work-related ill health in the past year, with mental health conditions, particularly stress, anxiety, and depression, remaining the primary culprits. Nearly 1 million workers reported mental health conditions exacerbated or caused by work – a stark reminder of the growing pressure on both employees and businesses alike.
A closer look at the numbers
The 2024/25 HSE figures show an alarming continuation of the mental health crisis in workplaces, with almost half of the total ill health cases driven by mental health conditions. The numbers have remained consistently high, especially in comparison to pre-pandemic levels. The total number of working days lost due to work-related ill health reached a staggering 40.1 million, resulting in an estimated economic cost of £22.9 billion.
This represents a consistent pattern we saw in last year’s statistics, which also highlighted a steady prevalence of stress-related conditions. In 2023/24, mental health continued to dominate as the leading cause of work-related illness, a trend that looks set to continue unless proactive measures are put in place.
The HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, stressed the importance of continued efforts to create safer work environments, especially as the toll of mental health issues on employees continues to rise. The stats clearly show that, while the UK remains a leader in workplace health and safety globally, mental health remains a pressing challenge that must be addressed.
The mental health crisis at work
The significant rise in mental health-related work illnesses is no coincidence. Stress and anxiety in the workplace have reached levels never seen before, and the pandemic undoubtedly played a large role in this. A shift towards remote working, combined with the anxieties surrounding the economic downturn, has put immense strain on workers. But it’s not just stress and anxiety; a host of factors, including poor managerial support, long working hours, and job insecurity, are contributing to this crisis.
Looking at these statistics, it is clear that employers must rethink their approach to workplace wellbeing. The increase in mental health cases highlights the need for robust wellbeing strategies and support systems within companies.
What’s changed this year?
When compared to last year’s statistics, the HSE data shows little overall change in the number of work-related illnesses, though mental health conditions continue to rise. In 2023/24, 1.9 million workers also reported ill health, with mental health conditions still being a significant driver of work-related sickness. However, this year’s figures show a marginal increase in the number of working days lost (40.1 million versus 39 million in the previous year), underscoring the growing burden on businesses and workers alike.
Despite consistent statistics, there is a clear call for greater attention on mental health. Companies need to understand that stress and anxiety are not just an individual issue but an organisational one that can have long-term effects on productivity and overall wellbeing.
The impact of mental health on the workplace
As businesses feel the impact of these figures, it is crucial to prioritise mental health and wellbeing at work. Employers must assess and mitigate stress risks in the workplace by implementing comprehensive stress risk assessments, manager training, and ensuring they fulfil their duty-of-care obligations to employees. This includes creating a culture of support where workers feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of stigma.
Furthermore, organisations should focus on training managers to identify signs of stress early and provide timely support. Simple adjustments, such as promoting flexible working, simplifying the process for requesting time off, encouraging workers to fully disconnect when they’re on leave, and offering mental health first-aid training, can significantly reduce the impact of work-related stress.
Best practices for employers
The latest HSE statistics reinforce the need for action in the areas of stress risk assessments, effective manager training, and stronger support systems for employees facing mental health challenges. Employers must create environments where workers are not only physically safe but also mentally well.
Mental health in the workplace is crucial for overall employee wellbeing. Prioritising mental health initiatives fosters a supportive environment, boosting productivity and morale while reducing absenteeism. Our collection of mental health courses raises awareness and equips managers and employees with essential tools.