Counting the cost of work-related illness

It is a growing national problem and it is affecting businesses across Lancashire.

Work-related illnesses are costing the UK economy more than £415m a week, according to a recent report by the TUC.

Its analysis of official statistics revealed that the number of days lost due to health conditions – including stress, depression and anxiety – has shot up by a third since 2010.

And in 2022-23 – the latest year for which figures are available – work-related ill-health is estimated to have reduced the nation’s economic output by £21.6bn.

Other equally stark reports highlight that the cost of poor mental health to UK employers now stands at £51bn annually.

Presenteeism, where employees work while unwell and perform below their full potential, costs businesses £24bn per year.

Businesses that support the health and wellbeing of their workforce are seeing the benefit.

Figures from professional service business Deloitte show that every pound in invested in wellbeing returns around £7.40 in increased productivity.

YOLO Wellbeing is a Preston-based company specialising in enhancing workplace health and employee engagement through a combination of
hands-on therapies and digital wellness solutions.

Founder Cheryle Britton says: “Health and wellbeing isn’t just a nice idea – it’s good business.

“A workplace that looks after its people is stronger, more resilient and more successful. It all starts with leadership showing that wellbeing
isn’t just a box to tick - it’s how you do things.”

Cheryle highlights ‘WorkWell’, a national support service designed to help disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay or succeed in work. It was rolled out across Lancashire at the start of the year.

Created as part of the government’s plan to help people with health conditions back to work, the service provides tailored help and assessment for people aged 16 and above at risk of falling out of work or for those who have had to stop working because of a health condition.

Cheryle describes it as “a step in the right direction” and adds: “It’s clear that the region requires ongoing investment in wellbeing to
ensure that businesses can thrive, employees stay healthy, and the wider community can grow stronger and more resilient.”

Cheryle says that burnout is affecting people: “Burnout is your body’s way of saying loud and clear: ‘I’ve had enough – I can’t keep going like this.’

“If we’re serious about building workplaces where people don’t burn out, health and wellbeing can’t be an afterthought – it needs to be right at the heart of your culture.

“And it starts from the top. Leaders set the tone and, truth is, stress often hits hardest at the top.”

“You’ve got to spot the warning signs – in yourself and others – and act early. Be honest, know what to look for, and have the right support in place before things snowball.

“We believe in promoting good health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention not cure. Poor health is rarely the real problem, it’s a symptom of something deeper.

“When we work with businesses, it’s usually part of a wider culture strategy that we help bring to life. It’s about making wellbeing real, not just words on a poster, promoting better self-care every day.”

David Dunwell, chief executive of Lancashire Mind, says: “Workplace wellbeing should be a key focus for all employers. Looking after your
teams and ensuring you provide a supportive and inclusive environment directly drives productivity, reduces sickness and staff turnover.

“We continue to drive forward change and offer support for employees and employers.

“Our teams have helped more than 1,000 local businesses in the last decade and have seen a range of issues faced by organisations including line managing people with mental health conditions, work related stress, burn out and a lack of internal resources to support
employees’ mental health.”

Lancashire Mind has been running a pilot project with leading Ribble Valley hospitality group James’ Places to boost health and
wellbeing of its staff.

The winner of the Health and Wellbeing category in the Red Rose Awards is offering an employee assistance programme (EAP) to any James’ Places staff member experiencing worry, anxiety or poor health.

David says: “We know there are mixed quality  offers when it comes to EAPs that provide mental health support in the workplace and, as such, we felt a responsibility to provide a high-quality Lancashire based service.

“Lancashire Minds’ EAP provides local in-person and quality offers that have a complete focus on the interests of Lancashire people, rather than commercial priorities.

“We want to provide a quality offer that puts people first. Our offer is supplemented with training and self-help resources.”

Jen Briggs, head of HR and partnerships at James’ Places, says “Lancashire Mind has provided us with thorough resources, courses and training.

“The EAP has been instrumental in managers and our mental health and wellbeing champions being equipped to support our staff and teams across the group.”

Ian Treasure, WorkWell programme lead, said: “We are keen to work alongside local businesses to help support your employees who may be experiencing problems affecting their wellbeing, which is often issues outside of work. We are encouraging people to come forward for help, and local employers can help.”