"By building comprehensive employee benefits packages and signposting to these easily accessible and high-quality support services, employers can help add significant value to the workplace."
- Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK
Of those surveyed (500), employees took an average of nine days away from work for mental health–related issues in 2024 - compared to just four days for general health issues. Yet, a third said they’d failed to take any steps to address their mental health concerns, and a quarter noted that their mental health had worsened over the last twelve months.
Overall, Unum’s Help@hand facilitated over 51k mental health appointments in 2024, supporting employees to address mental health issues before they escalate. “These findings highlight the need for robust on-demand mental health support as part of all employee benefits packages. Whilst awareness of mental health has grown since the pandemic, we still have some way to go when it comes to encouraging workers to seek help when they need it,” explained Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK.
She said: “By building comprehensive employee benefits packages and signposting to these easily accessible and high-quality support services, employers can help add significant value to the workplace. This approach encourages employees to address mental health issues proactively, rather than resorting to sick leave to manage complex and worsening concerns.
“As businesses aim to build a successful 2025 and enhance overall productivity, prioritising a supportive work environment with comprehensive mental health support is essential,” Saumya concluded.
