Investing in corporate mental health isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business move. In the UK, poor mental health has a huge impact on both businesses and the economy, making it essential for companies to take proactive steps to support their employees.

Poor mental health among employees imposes considerable costs on organizations. In the UK financial services sector, for instance, poor mental health costs an average of £5,379 per employee annually. ​(Financial Times)

Recent analysis reveals that mental ill health imposes a significant financial strain on the UK economy. According to the Centre for Mental Health, the total cost in England reached £300 billion in 2022 including £110 billion due to the business costs of sickness absence and ‘presenteeism’ at work, as well as staff turnover and unemployment among people with mental ill health. ​(Centre for Mental Health)

For employers, the ramifications are equally concerning. A study by Deloitte estimates that poor mental health among employees’ costs UK employers approximately £51 billion annually. This includes costs associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover.

The good news? Businesses that invest in workplace mental health support don’t just reduce these costs, they actually see a positive return on investment. Deloitte analysis reports that for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, businesses can expect an average return of £4.70, thanks to increased productivity. (Deloitte)

This means that proactive mental health initiatives, such as access to CBT, counselling, mental health training for managers, and early intervention support, aren’t just beneficial for employees; they also directly impact a company’s bottom line.

The message is simple: looking after your employees' mental health isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. A happier, healthier workforce means fewer absences, better retention, and a more productive team. And with research showing a clear return on investment, it’s a no-brainer for companies that want to thrive.

When you’re ready to enhance your workplace mental health, IPRS Health can help. Our services are accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Psychological Society, and we are trusted to support over 1,000 new people every month.

Explore our mental health services here to see how we support businesses like yours in creating a healthier, more resilient workforce.