Almost a third of employees may not know that they have access to mental health support, Simplyhealth reports.

Vitality has found that 66% of UK workers say they experience psychological distress, including more than 8 in 10 Gen Z employees.

The referral-to-treatment waiting list increased to 7.37 million in August 2026. 

The wellbeing team says it is important for employers to implement a strong mental health strategy as a foundation in the workplace, with World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

75% of employees believe mental health counselling would help reduce workplace absences.

RedArc says the increase coincides with a heightened awareness due to World Mental Health Day.

The findings come ahead of World Mental Health Day 2026.

Over three-quarters worry that disclosing mental health information to insurers will lead to higher cover costs.

43% of Gen Z referrals were for mental health concerns, compared to 22% of Millennials, RedArc reports.

Despite saving more than any other age group, almost a quarter of 25-34-year-olds report their finances having a negative impact on their mental health.