We held focussed discussions and surveyed our network of tax professionals across Commerce & Industry, Financial Services and Professional Services in order to gain insight into what the impact of increased levels of working from home and ongoing lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has on Mental Health. A resounding 87% of respondents felt that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health.
Key Findings
1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health issues each year. Mental Health is responsible for 72 Million working days lost which costs £34.9 Billion each year. The total cost of mental ill health across the UK is estimated to be £105 Billion per year, global estimates suggest the cost is £12 Trillion.
In our survey 87% of tax professionals felt that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health however only 54% of respondents feel that their employer has provided adequate wellbeing support during the lockdown.
Of the 87% who report the pandemic having a negative impact on their mental health the main causes highlighted were…
- Missing social interaction with colleagues & friends in the office and feeling isolated (52%)
- A technology enabled ‘always on’ culture and being unable to switch off from work (28%)
- Lack of structure and motivation in the working week (16%)
Of the 46% who felt that employers had not provided adequate wellbeing support the main areas lacking were identified as…
- Lack of training and awareness around mental health resulting in a perceived stigma that mental health issues could damage reputation (53%)
- Lack of proactive engagement by employer to identify and assist with any mental health issues (25%)
- Lack of a dedicated point of contact to approach in person or remotely with Mental Heath issues (20%)
If you would like to discuss our findings in more detail please contact:
Author: Graham Young – Director
Tel: 020 3826 8832
Email: graham.young@capitaltaxrecruitment.com