Managers struggle to discuss mental health in the workplace, finds Unum UK

• Mental health is the leading cause of workforce absence among UK SMEs
• Yet confidence is low: over a third of SME decision-makers say managers struggle to discuss mental health
• 91% of employees using Help@hand feel better after applying strategies from their mental health sessions, and 71% report improved mental wellbeing.

This Blue Monday, new research from specialist benefits provider, Unum UK, shows 45% of SMEs citing mental health as the top cause of absence, contributing to the £29 billion lost to sickness-related productivity drops each year. Yet 34% of SME decision-makers say managers hesitate to discuss mental health, rising to 47% in medium-sized businesses.¹ This gap in confidence means employees are missing out on the early intervention and support that could make a real difference to their mental wellbeing.

“With so much change happening in the world around us, employers are needing to take the lead on wellbeing,” said Jane Hulme, HR Director at Unum UK. “But our research shows managers are struggling to find the right words when it comes to tough topics like mental health. This hesitation can mean missed opportunities for early support. Training can be a game changer, giving managers the self-assurance to spot the early signs that something’s not right, and start the conversations that matter.”

By prioritising manager training, employers can deliver comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support for their employees. Unum customers benefit from access to online workshops and webinars, designed to help managers build confidence and address mental health proactively. In addition, managers can signpost employees to digital health services such as Help@hand, the health and wellbeing app from Unum, for quick and accessible support.

In the past year alone, Help@hand facilitated more than 51,000 mental health appointments, and the results are clear: 71% of employees using the app reported improved mental wellbeing, whilst 91% felt better after applying strategies from their sessions. Meanwhile, 71% said Help@hand helped them overcome challenges or personal setbacks.²

Jane added: “The Keep Britain Working review has placed workforce health and absence management at the centre of the national agenda. With sickness absence up 62% compared to pre-pandemic levels, employees now lose an average of 9.4 working days a year to ill health. For SMEs, this is a wake-up call and a reminder of the critical role that employers can play in supporting mental wellbeing. By combining manager training with accessible digital health services, SMEs can help tackle the UK’s leading cause of absence head-on.”

^{1 Original survey of 2,010 UK business decision-makers, all of whom are employed within organisations with 3-249 employees. The survey was conducted online by YouGov Plc during the fieldwork period of 31st July – 14th August 2025.
2 Survey of 826 Help@hand users who attended a 1-2-1 consultation in August or September 2025. Survey conducted by Unum during fieldwork period of 25th September to 5th November 2025.}