Mental health concerns among workers in the UK have significantly increased during the colder months, with a nearly 20% rise in related calls to the Acas helpline during Autumn and Winter 2024 compared to Spring and Summer.
The trend highlights the need for businesses to prioritise employee mental wellbeing year-round, say experts, rather than focusing efforts solely on seasonal awareness days like “Blue Monday“, the so-called most depressing day of the year, which this year falls on January 20.
The findings come from Acas — the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service public body that offers impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practices, as well as dispute resolution services. Their helpline serves as a vital resource for employees and employers navigating workplace challenges like dealing with mental health problems.
In 2024, the helpline received 4,143 mental health-related calls during Autumn and Winter (September–February), compared to 3,501 calls in Spring and Summer (March–August), reflecting an 18% increase in inquiries during the colder months.
A Call for Year-Round Action on Mental Health
Julie Dennis, head of inclusive workplaces at Acas, emphasised the importance of fostering a supportive workplace culture. “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year,” she said.
Dennis said companies should foster a working enviroment in which all aspects of employee wellbeing are supported and that staff feel they can talk openly about any mental health issues they may be experiencing.
“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place,” she said. “Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”
Practical Steps for Employers
Acas’ current advice for employers to help them support their staff’s mental wellbeing includes:
- Being approachable and encouraging open dialogue with team members.
- Checking in regularly with employees to understand how they’re coping.
- Handling mental health discussions with patience, confidentiality and support.
- Offering flexible workplace adjustments, such as altered hours or remote working, if needed.
- Taking care of your own mental health by seeking support from colleagues, networks or professionals.
- Clearly communicating available support, including access to financial advice or counselling services.
Empowering Employees To Take Action
Employees are also encouraged to take active steps in managing their mental health. Acas suggests workers should:
- Speak openly with colleagues, friends or managers about their feelings.
- Ask employers about support available to them.
- Identify activities that improve their mood and set aside time for them.
Broader Implications for Workplaces
The spike in mental health concerns during the colder months underscores the importance of creating workplaces where mental health is not a taboo subject. Research consistently shows that poor mental health costs businesses billions annually in lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover.
The financial ramifications of inadequate mental health support are substantial. A report by financial services firm Deloitte indicates that poor mental health costs UK employers approximately £51 billion annually, with presenteeism — where employees work but are not fully productive — being the largest contributor at around £24 billion.
Additionally, UK mental health charity the Centre for Mental Health estimates that mental ill health costs England £300 billion each year, a figure comparable to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
To assist employers in addressing these challenges, Acas offers a range of training courses focused on health and wellbeing at work. The courses cover topics such as understanding legal responsibilities, identifying early signs of mental health issues and implementing best practices for managing staff wellbeing.