One in three staff feel "unhappy, stressed or worried" at work
New data from Mental Health First Aid England released on the 'most depressing day of the year'
New research suggests 59% of employees do not regularly feel joy and satisfaction at work.
The stats, released by MHFA England on so-called 'Blue Monday' also suggest 1 in 5 (22%) workers feel their sense of purpose, satisfaction, and joy at work has decreased since the pandemic.
Out of hours emails, long hours, unrealistic targets and lack of recognition are just some of the factors that can lead to staff feeling unsatisfied.
The middle Monday in January is often billed as the ‘most depressing’ day of the year, but it's not based on any science.
Find out more about the data on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast
Any day can leave you feeling 'Blue'
In reality, poor mental health can affect anyone, at any time in the year, and it impacts people in different ways.
MHFA England’s latest research, among 2,000 employees, finds a third say they often feel unhappy, stressed, or worried in the workplace.
Despite this, almost half of workers say they have never had a wellbeing check-in from their employer.
The data reveals that since 2021, almost double the number of employees say their workplace failed to check in on their wellbeing in the past year. (48% in 2023, matching 2022 figures, and up from 25% in 2021).
For the last five years, the Where's Your Head At? campaign has been calling for mental health first aiders to be available in all workplaces.
WATCH: Simon Blake from MHFA England says schemes like 'Pizza Friday' don't go far enough to improve staff wellbeing
Workplaces can do their part to support mental health
Simon Blake, chief executive of Mental Health First Aid England, is behind the My Whole Self campaign - aimed at making sure people can be present in workplaces without fear of stigma or prejudice about an aspect of their lives - something that can have a lasting impact on their mental health if not addressed.
Simon told us: “We are most joyful and satisfied at work when we feel safe and able to be our whole selves. Yet our research shows a significant number of employees do not feel this – this impacts the way we feel at work, and about work, our wellbeing and creativity, which of course affects performance.
"Employers must build cultures where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work. When people feel free to be their self, to express opinions without fear of criticism or judgement, they are more likely to contribute fully, which can help to create thriving and productive organisations."
Get support for your mental health
If you're struggling with your mental health, don't suffer alone.
Speak to your GP, or a trusted friend, relative or colleague.
Samaritans are available on 116 123
And you can speak to someone over text, by texting SHOUT to 85258.
Find mental health services where you are via the Hub of Hope
Ahead of My Whole Self Day on the 12 March 2024, organisations are encouraged to access MHFA England’s free resources including the new, My Whole Self: Guide to creating inclusive workplace cultures, to create an inclusive and open workplace culture.