A recent analysis of data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals that women are significantly more likely than men to take time off work because of stress, anxiety, or depression. The study indicates that female employees lost an average of 0.91 days each year due to these issues, while their male counterparts averaged only 0.44 days. In 2023-24, an alarming 16.4 million working days were lost to stress-related conditions, making it the primary cause of absenteeism.
The findings also highlight that older women (over 55) experience the highest levels of absence due to mental health issues, with specific life stages, such as menopause, contributing significantly to these statistics. Additionally, young women in unstable job positions face their own unique challenges regarding mental health, often feeling trapped due to precarious employment.
Key Points
- Women are twice as likely as men to take leave due to stress-related issues.
- On average, female workers miss 0.91 days a year; male workers miss 0.44 days.
- 16.4 million working days were lost to mental health issues in 2023-24.
- Women over 55 report the highest mental health-related absences.
- Young women in insecure jobs are also facing significant mental health challenges.
Why should I read this?
This article shines a light on an important issue that affects not just individual employees, but workplaces as a whole. Understanding the disparity in mental health impacts between genders is crucial for employers looking to create a more supportive and balanced working environment. Grab a cuppa and see how these figures might change the way we think about workplace wellness!
