New data, for World Mental Health Day (10 October), from HR, payroll, and finance experts MHR reveals over 6 in 10 (62%) employees believe their employer does not care about their mental wellbeing, with over half (55%) of respondents feeling pressures to hide their mental health concerns at work.
Employees across the UK and Ireland are facing the detrimental affects of the cost-of-living crisis, presenting strains on both financial and mental wellbeing. When asked what triggers the most stress during the cost-of-living crisis, the rising of bills came in as the top factor at 46%, followed by 29% saying energy costs.
Over a third (34%) of respondents also said that their employers providing financial support would help their mental wellbeing over more flexibility, better workloads, and stronger benefits.
Prices are continuing to rise and the cost-of-living crisis is showing no sign of slowing down. With respondents showing that bills are triggering the most stress, and that financial support could help to improve mental wellbeing – financial and mental wellbeing present themselves as an intertwined problem that organisations need to tackle this World Mental Health Day.
Jeanette Wheeler, chief HR officer at MHR, said: “In recent years employee wellbeing has been a top focus for many employers, but the ongoing cost-of-living crisis shows that all aspects of wellbeing should be looked after, including financial and mental wellbeing.
“While many may not be able to provide additional financial support, there are other ways to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing during this time. Be it adjusting deadlines, considering other benefits to cut costs, and simply being a sympathetic ear for a colleague.
“The fact that employees feel pressured into hiding their mental health is concerning, and with some believing their employer doesn’t care about their mental wellbeing at all, shows a real division between employers and employees.
“To bridge this gap, employers need to form connections with employees beyond work and prove that their mental health comes first. Having these conversations is advantageous to everyone as will enable employees to get their concerns off their chests, perhaps find a solution, or simply start to feel in a better place after talking with another person.”
