Increasing pressures to work outside office hours, while on holiday and on sick days, are causing a workplace mental health crisis in Bristol, according to a new report.
Mental health-related issues are now the main reason for absence at work, the Westfield Health Wellbeing Index reveals.
‘Leavism’ - working outside of contracted hours - is also becoming more prevalent, with 67 per cent of HR managers saying it’s an issue in their company.
The amazing companies doing incredible things for Bristol
The report found that employees are feeling under pressure to constantly stay late (24 per cent), eat at their desk (27 per cent), arrive early (34 per cent), take work home (27 per cent) and even miss lunch (27 per cent).
Worryingly, 39 per cent of workers said they have taken time off work due to mental health problems but have given their employer a different reason for their absence.
Chief executive of Westfield Health David Capper, said: “For us, it’s really important to understand where people in Bristol are suffering most and how we can best work together to make improvements.
“Our wellbeing impacts us 24 hours a day – from the moment we wake up, to motivation at work, to how much sleep we get at night.
“At the moment, wellbeing is often considered in isolation, such as wellbeing at work vs. wellbeing at home, but we believe society and employers need to urgently take a collective responsibility for the UK’s wellbeing.”
Over a third of Bristol employees (37 per cent) said that the pressure and stress in their job had reached “unmanageable amounts”, citing workload, long working hours and job security.
The top five wellbeing worries and concerns people had over the past three months are money, lack of sleep and physical ill health.
Half of UK HR professionals don’t have any measures in place to prevent employees working when sick, although 12 per cent say they are introducing flexible working, offering paid overtime or time in lieu, and having regular one-to-one meetings.
The Bristol and Bath Health and Care Awards returns for 2019 - and we need your help
David added: “There is a clear call to businesses here to think about the future of employment in Bristol.
“A culture that rewards staying late and heaps pressure on its staff will pay the costs in days lost to mental health issues due to burnout.
“By not dealing with these issues, not only does this have an impact on company bottom line, but it can also cause a drop in productivity levels, affect workplace morale and impact the wellbeing of other members of staff.”
