The Blubber

Gen Z and young millennial workers in Britain are losing the equivalent of a full workday each week due to mental health challenges, according to new research.

A study by Vitality, a health and life insurance company with over 30 million members worldwide, revealed that the average U.K. employee struggles with productivity for nearly 50 days per year. This loss costs the British economy a staggering £138 billion ($176 billion).

For workers under 30, the number of lost productive days rises to 60 annually. In comparison, Gen X and baby boomers report an average of 36.3 unproductive workdays each year—a stark 64% difference.

The research highlights a critical issue: younger, lower-income employees are disproportionately affected by mental health struggles and are not receiving sufficient support from their employers.

While physical health issues contribute to a 54% decline in productivity, mental health challenges result in a 150% greater loss of productive time—particularly among younger workers. Depression rates in this demographic are double those of older employees, and burnout and fatigue are significantly more prevalent.

Additionally, workers earning under £30,000 ($38,000) per year report feeling 86% more unsupported by their employers compared to higher-income colleagues.

This lack of support contributes to a concerning trend: while the average worker in 2023 took just six sick days, much of the lost time at work stems from ineffective performance rather than actual absence. On average, Gen Z employees are unproductive for 54 days annually due to mental health challenges and hesitance to seek help from their employers.

Only 1 in 4 Employees Use Workplace Wellness Tools

Even when companies offer mental health resources, utilization remains alarmingly low.

Only 25% of the 4,000 employees surveyed said they had used the wellness tools provided by their employer. However, among those who did, 85% found the resources helpful. This suggests a gap in awareness or a reluctance among employees to engage with the support offered.

Vitality CEO Neville Koopowitz emphasized the importance of better communication from employers.

“If workplace health is managed effectively, both businesses and the broader economy can reap substantial benefits,” Koopowitz stated.