Mental Ill Health is Now the Second Largest Cause of Time Lost to sickness absence.

Research released today indicates that mental health problems are having a huge impact on the workplace, with increasing numbers of employees taking time off for depression and stress.

30,000 workers were studied and it was found that mental ill health is now the second largest cause of time lost to sickness absence after muscle-related problems such as bad backs.

The poll showed that workers suffering from depression took an average of 30 days off, while stress-sufferers were away for 21 days.

Ben Willmott, CIPD employee relations advisor, said “This research shows how important it is for managers and HR practitioners to be aware of the signs of mental ill health so that they can take action early and provide support before the individual’s condition deteriorates to the point that they go off on long term sick leave”.