Executive Summary of HSE Workplace Stress Anxiety and Depression Statistics

Executive Summary of the HSE Report on Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety Statistics in Great Britain

This blog article is a summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related stress, depression, or anxiety statistics in Great Britain for the year 2023. The original report provides detailed insights into the scale, trends, and causes of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.

875,000 Workers Suffered from Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety in 2022/23

According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS) data, an estimated 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the year 2022/23. This represents a prevalence rate of 2,590 per 100,000 workers (Source: LFS, annual estimate, 2022/23).

17.1 Million Working Days Lost Due to Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety in 2022/23

The total number of working days lost due to these conditions in 2022/23 was 17.1 million days. This equates to an average of 19.6 days lost per case (Source: LFS, annual estimate, 2022/23).

Rate of Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety Increased in Recent Years

The report indicates that the rate of self-reported work-related stress, depression, or anxiety had shown signs of increasing in the years leading up to the coronavirus pandemic. The current rate is higher than the 2018/19 pre-coronavirus level (Source: LFS, annual estimate, from 2001/02 to 2022/23).

Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety Most Prevalent in Human Health and Social Work Activities

The report identifies that stress, depression, or anxiety is most prevalent in human health and social work activities, public administration and defence; compulsory social security, and education (Source: LFS, average estimate over 2020/21-2022/23).

Professional Occupations Show Higher Rates of Stress, Depression or Anxiety

Higher than average rates of stress, depression or anxiety over 2020/21-2022/23 were found in professional occupations and associate professional occupations (Source: LFS, average estimate over 2020/21-2022/23).

Females Show Higher Rates of Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety

Females overall had statistically significantly higher rates of work-related stress, depression or anxiety compared to the all workers rate and males significantly lower (Source: LFS, average estimate over 2020/21-2022/23).

Large Workplaces Show Higher Rates of Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety

Large workplaces had a statistically significantly higher rate of work-related stress, depression or anxiety, while small workplaces had a significantly lower rate (Source: LFS, average estimate over 2020/21-2022/23).

Main Causes of Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety Include Workload and Lack of Managerial Support

The main work factors causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety were workload pressures (including tight deadlines and too much responsibility) and a lack of managerial support (Source: LFS, average estimate over 2009/10-2011/12).

Workload Pressures Predominant Factor in Work-related Mental Ill Health Cases

Workload pressures were identified as the predominant factor in work-related mental ill health cases reported to the general practitioner’s reporting network (THOR-GP), with interpersonal relationships at work and changes at work also being significant factors (Source: THOR-GP, average estimate over 2013-2015).

Work-related Stress, Depression or Anxiety Accounted for 49% of All Work-related Ill Health

In 2022/23, stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 49% of all work-related ill health and 54% of all working days lost due to work-related ill health (Source: LFS, annual estimate, 2022/23).

Conclusion

This summary of the HSE report highlights the significant impact of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety on the workforce in Great Britain. It underscores the importance of implementing effective workplace strategies to manage these issues, thereby improving employee well-being and productivity.