The Growing Importance of Mental Health at Work: A Shift in Priorities
A growing focus on mental health and employee wellbeing is transforming workplace safety. Research shows that over 90% of UK workers believe that the 1974 Health & Safety legislation needs updating to reflect these changes. The Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024 highlights the urgency of reforming safety laws to include mental health and new work styles.
Legislative Reform for Mental Health
The report reveals that 94% of workers support revising the legislation, with 82% stressing mental health as the top priority. In 2024, mental health is a key reason 50% of employees feel safer at work. Factors driving this shift include increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, an aging workforce, digital growth, and the evolving expectations of younger employees.
Hybrid Working and Wellbeing
Hybrid working has emerged as a major factor in improving workplace mental health. Many employees report better sleep, focus, and decision-making. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, link hybrid work with enhanced wellbeing. However, the cost-of-living crisis is straining mental health, particularly among younger workers. Deloitte's 2023 survey found that 59% of Gen Z and 39% of Millennials experience anxiety or depression.
Generational Mental Health Challenges
Diversity and inclusion also play a growing role in workplace safety. Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (70%) place more importance on these issues compared to older generations. However, younger employees also perceive tension between diversity efforts and safety, with Gen Z more likely to feel that diversity competes with safety priorities.
Mental Health’s Role in Workplace Safety
Mental health concerns are now central to workplace safety, with Gen Z particularly anxious about future safety incidents. More than half of Gen Z worry about a major safety event within five years, compared to just 32% of Gen X. Poor mental health affects physical safety, with workers reporting issues such as impaired sleep (46%) and focus (44%).
A Key Priority in Health and Safety
Mental health has become the leading safety concern for UK businesses, surpassing traditional risks. As workplaces evolve, mental health will remain a critical issue shaping the future of health and safety reforms.
The 1Stop4aGP 360 Solution:
1Stop4aGP: 360° offers an effective solution for businesses which, for an extremely affordable cost, will enable them to fully demonstrate and embed their commitment to staff wellbeing and mental health. When purchased by an employer, the service covers all employees and their immediate families, providing a holistic approach to healthcare. In addition to our core GP and prescription service, 360° offers employees personalised, on-demand advice and support from a breadth of expert mental health, financial and legal providers – a package of support unequalled within the additional healthcare industry.
Employees accessing the service will be allocated a dedicated case manager, putting them in touch with the experts who will work with them to understand their specific issues and help them to create the solutions they need to achieve a better quality of life. No matter the complexity of an individual’s case, we will be by their side until a resolution is reached.
Welcome to 1Stop4aGP: 360° - Integrated Healthcare Support for employees and their families.
