Nuffield Health 2023 Healthier Nation Index reveals mental health transparency is on the rise in the workplace

By Tom Kilkelly

15 May 2023

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OxfordVR and BehaVR, two companies using VR to tackle mental and behavioural health problems, have announced they are merging, supported by an initial $13 million Series B funding round led by Oxford Science Enterprises and Optum Ventures, with participation from Confluent Health, Accenture Ventures, Chrysalis Ventures and Thornton Capital.

A survey of 8,000 UK adults has revealed that more employees feel more comfortable in being transparent about their mental health at the workplace.

According to Surrey-based Nuffield Health's 2023 Healthier Nation Index 35 per cent of employees have called in sick this year due to poor mental health whilst citing other reasons, a drop from the 39 per cent reported in the same survey last year.

The survey also revealed that over one in four people (29 per cent) now feel comfortable in disclosing their mental health struggles with their employer, suggesting a positive shift in how employees are communicating with their workplaces about their emotional wellbeing.

Whilst far from a solved issue, the Nuffield Health 2023 Healthier Nation Index results indicate that stigmas around mental health in the workplace are beginning to unravel.

Mental health prevention lead at Nuffield Health Lisa Gunn said: “We are passionate about building a healthier nation and know that challenging work environments and stress can have a huge knock-on effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing.

“As well as the day-to-day worries that come with our personal and working lives, employees have also had to deal with the impact of a global pandemic and now the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. All these stressors combined can significantly affect the mental health of employees, so it’s more important than ever that businesses find ways to create open, transparent, and connected workplace environments.

“When people feel supported and able to reach out to their employer, this can have a positive impact on their mental health alone and help them better address feelings of worry and anxiety.

“That’s why we are calling on other UK workplaces to #Find5 minutes to look after their bodies and minds. Just by spending five extra minutes on personal wellbeing a day can significantly boost mental and physical health.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.