Businesses "flying blind" on mental health support

Barnett Waddingham research shows

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 3 min read

Independent consultancy, Barnett Waddingham, has warned that many businesses are still “flying blind” when supporting their employees, with 64% of employers reporting a rise in workforce absenteeism due to mental health issues.

Despite this increase, Barnett Waddingham said that many leaders believed they were doing enough. According to the consultancy's survey of 301 HR directors and c-suite business leaders in UK companies, nearly three-quarters (73%) of business leaders said their organisation was ‘well-prepared' to manage their employees' mental health concerns. However, under half of these businesses were collecting "comprehensive" data on mental health conditions impacting their employees. Barnett Waddingham said this highlights significant gaps in understanding the full scope of the issue. The rise...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Certua Life partners with employee benefits platform

Certua Life partners with employee benefits platform

Heka partnership

Cameron Roberts
clock 07 September 2026 • 2 min read
New multinational benefits leader for Howden Employee Benefits

New multinational benefits leader for Howden Employee Benefits

Hannah Proctor takes the role

Cameron Roberts
clock 03 September 2026 • 1 min read
Benenden Health adds at-home health testing service

Benenden Health adds at-home health testing service

Targeted testing options on specific concerns

Jaskeet Briah
clock 18 August 2026 • 1 min read