Research shows that an increased focus on mental health at workplace and employee wellbeing is changing the health and safety landscape. More than nine in ten workers believe that the main UK Health & Safety legislation, introduced in 1974, should be overhauled to reflect these changes.
The findings are outlined in the Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024, an annual study that explores attitudes to safety and health topics in UK workplaces. The report emphasizes the urgent need for a legislative rethink to accommodate new working styles and the mental health needs of employees.
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Overhauling UK Health and Safety Legislation for Mental Health
According to the report, 94% of workers think the Health and Safety legislation should be reformed, rising to 97% among managerial staff. A greater focus on mental health and wellbeing is identified as the most important factor for this overhaul by 82% of respondents. In 2024, mental health at workplace has become a key reason why 50% of people feel safer in their work environments.
Several factors driving this rethink include the need for more emphasis on environmental and social governance (ESG), changes in workforce demographics due to later retirement, digital growth, and evolving expectations from younger employees, especially regarding diversity and inclusion.
How Hybrid Working Supports Mental Health and Wellbeing
The rise of hybrid working is considered one of the most positive changes in terms of supporting mental health at workplace, with many employees reporting improvements in sleep, focus, and decision-making. The younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, associate hybrid working with better mental health and wellbeing, while remote working is seen as less beneficial.
In contrast, the pressures from the cost of living crisis are taking a toll on employees' mental health, particularly among younger workers. Deloitte’s 2023 survey found that nearly three in five Gen Z (59%) report anxiety or depression, compared to a smaller but still significant percentage of Millennials (39%) and Gen X (29%).
Mental Health Challenges Across Generations in the Workplace
Diversity and inclusion are also seen as key factors in shaping future workplace safety. Interestingly, Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (70%) place more importance on these issues compared to Gen X (62%) and Baby Boomers (63%). Younger generations also perceive a tension between diversity efforts and workplace safety, with Gen Z being more likely to feel that diversity competes with safety as a priority (43% vs. 28% for Baby Boomers).
Generational differences also exist regarding the perceived responsibility for workplace safety. While 33% of Gen Z believe the Government holds the primary responsibility, only 25% of Gen X and 20% of Baby Boomers share this view. Conversely, Baby Boomers are more likely to believe that individuals are responsible for their own safety.
The Role of Mental Health in Workplace Safety Reform
One of the most significant concerns for Gen Z is the fear of a major safety incident in the next five years, despite overall improvements in workplace safety. More than half of Gen Z (56%) express this concern, compared to just 32% of Gen X. This fear is linked to their risk-averse approach and increasing demands for safety training to mitigate potential risks.
The cost of living pressures are also exacerbating mental health challenges. Over a third (34%) of respondents are worried about their future mental health, and combined with the 37% already experiencing mental health issues, there is a potential crisis looming. Mental ill-health affects physical safety at work, with respondents reporting that it negatively impacts sleep (46%), focus (44%), and decision-making (26%).
Mental Health at Workplace: A Key Priority in Health and Safety
The topic of mental health at workplace has moved to the forefront of discussions around employee safety. It is now the leading priority for UK businesses in 2024, surpassing traditional concerns like working at height or exposure to hazardous materials. While it's encouraging that mental health is receiving the attention it deserves, there are concerns that other important but less "newsworthy" safety topics may be losing focus.
As workplaces continue to evolve, mental health at workplace remains a critical issue, shaping the future of health and safety reform and pushing businesses and governments to rethink their approaches over the next five years.
