Mental health has long been a cause of absence in the workplace, but new research highlights just how much of an issue it has become, affecting not only the employer, but the employee and their families alike. New research by Deloitte reveals that poor mental health is costing UK employers £51 billion annually and, whilst there has been a slight decrease in comparison with data from 2021, this figure has risen significantly from £45 billion in 2019. Within schools, the impact is especially stark. In an environment where consistent attendance is necessary for maintaining continuity for students, teachers and support staff often feel the need to continue working whilst mentally unwell. As well as having an impact on their mental well-being, this often means that they are not able to offer the same quality of education they would when well, impacting students.
Deloitte’s research highlights a concerning trend of burnout, with 63% of respondents identifying this as a major factor causing absence in 2024, up from 51% in 2021. Heavy workloads, the variety of requests and taking work home after work hours are all contributing to a knock on effect that ultimately means staff are unable to continue their working. Education Mutual’s Wellbeing Index Survey 2024 also found that a lack of a work-life balance has contributed to a greater feeling of isolation among school leaders, leading to a trickle down effect from staff to students.
Working parents also report that the mental health of their children can also have an impact on their own well-being, with almost 46% of respondents saying they are concerned about their children’s mental health. This includes 19% looking to reduce their hours and one in a hundred leaving their role fully. Preserving the mental health and well-being of children, therefore, is key in protecting the workforce in the long term, and schools should look to support the wider school environment in this regard by seeking to provide the community with the confidence that they are supported and the tools they need to sustain their mental health and well-being.
NAHT Wellness and Protect can help to reduce the impact poor mental health has on staff working within education and the sector can play a significant role in breaking down the stigma so that the knock-on effects for students are not as devastating. We believe that a long term approach to sustaining positive mental health is central in providing the top standard education we have come to know.
Deloitte found that for every £1 invested into mental health and well-being support, employers see £4.70 back in productivity, proving that mental health support is key to sustainable work practices and a happy work and learning environment where everyone is able to achieve their full potential. Members of NAHT Wellness and Protect can access a wide range of mental health and well-being services, all included at no additional cost to staff members, including face to face counselling, well-being webinars and pupil well-being services, all on top of comprehensive absence protection.
Source: https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/about/press-room/poor-mental-health-costs-uk-employers-51-billion-a-year-for-employees.html
Staff absence protection with personalised whole school well-being and leadership support
NAHT Wellness and Protect is staff absence protection with complimentary whole school well-being and leadership support and is exclusive to NAHT members.