Everything About Quarter of Employees Report Job Harms Mental and Physical Health
A Quarter of UK Employees Say Their Work Harms Their Health.
A striking 25% of employees in the UK believe their job negatively affects both their mental and physical health, according to the CIPD’s Good Work Index 2025. This equates to roughly 8.5 million working people facing serious wellbeing challenges linked directly to their workplace environment. The scale of this issue is a wake – up call for employers who must recognize the profound impact work conditions have on employee health and overall productivity.
Poor Workplace Relationships Undermine Productivity.
The same CIPD report reveals that poor workplace relationships, especially with colleagues and line managers, significantly harm productivity. When employees struggle with conflict or lack support, their engagement drops, and output suffers. Research shows that teams with healthy interpersonal dynamics can improve productivity by up to 25%, while toxic environments lead to increased absenteeism and turnover. For example, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report found that disengaged employees cost U. S. companies $450 to $550 billion annually due to lost productivity.
The Scale of the Problem in Numbers
With 8.5 million workers affected, the UK faces a sizable health and productivity crisis that demands urgent action. Mental health conditions alone account for 70 million lost working days per year across the UK, costing the economy an estimated £45 billion annually, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Physical health issues exacerbated by stressful work environments further add to this burden, increasing healthcare costs and reducing workforce resilience.
Why Employers Must Focus on Holistic Workplace Wellbeing
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach to workplace wellbeing. Initiatives that improve mental health support, foster positive relationships, and encourage work – life balance can unlock greater engagement and productivity. For instance, companies that invest in wellbeing programs report a 28% reduction in sick leave and a 30% increase in employee satisfaction, according to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization.
Real – World Success Stories.
Some UK employers have successfully implemented holistic wellbeing strategies. One example is a large financial services firm that introduced mental health first aiders and flexible working hours, resulting in a 15% drop in employee turnover within a year. Another case involves a tech company that revamped its management training to improve team communication, which led to a 20% increase in project completion rates and a notable boost in employee morale.
Conclusion
The CIPD Good Work Index 2025 clearly shows that poor mental and physical health linked to work, combined with strained workplace relationships, undermines productivity for millions of UK employees. Employers who fail to address these issues risk significant economic and human costs. However, those who adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing stand to gain not only healthier employees but also stronger business performance backed by robust data and real – world evidence.
