Two In Three Adults Have Suffered A Mental Health Problem

The study by the Mental Health Foundation found this issue is becoming worse, with younger people more likely than those over the age of 55 to say that they have experienced a mental health issue.  People between the ages of 18 and 54 were significantly more likely to say they have experienced a mental health problem (70% of 18-34 year olds and 68% of 35-54 year olds) compared to those over the age of 55 (58%).

Social Smoking ‘As Harmful As Everyday Habit’

Smoking the occasional cigarette when out with friends is as dangerous for the heart as an everyday habit, researchers have warned.  A team in the US found the risk of high blood pressure and worrying cholesterol was the same for social smokers as those who light up every day.

Only A Third of Workers With Mental Health Problems Feel Supported

Research from the Mental Health Foundation and employee benefits provider Unum reveals stark differences between line managers’ understanding of mental health problems in the workplace and the challenges faced by employees who are experiencing distress at work. According to the survey by YouGov, only half of line managers feel confident that they could recognise signs that a member of their team was having problems coping.

Latest Figures Show Professions With High Risk of Suicide

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have for the first time revealed which professions have the highest risk of suicide. Suicides are less common among women than men, the ONS concluded. For women, occupations with a high risk of suicide included nurses (23% above the national average), primary school teachers (42% above average), and those working in culture, media and sport (69% above average). For men, low-skilled labourers in construction had a risk that was three times higher than the average for England. Men working in skilled construction jobs also had an increased risk. Both male and female care workers have a risk of suicide that was almost twice the national average, said ONS.

Remote Access Means Employees Cannot ‘Switch Off’

The survey of more than 2,000 UK employees found that two-fifths (40%) checked their work mobile or emails at least five times a day outside working hours. Nearly a fifth (18%) felt as though they are under surveillance with remote access to work, and 17% said it made them feel anxious or affected their sleep.

Cycling to Work ‘Cuts Risks of Heart Disease and Cancer‘

Cycling to work is associated with a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease compared to a non-active commute, research suggests. The risk of dying prematurely from any cause is 41% lower. The study, by experts at the University of Glasgow, found that although walking to work is good for people it does not offer the same benefits as taking a bike.

More Than Half Left Worn Out by Work

The survey of 1,287 UK professionals found that nearly six in 10 (57%) are left feeling mentally exhausted by their jobs. This feeling was most prominent among those early in their careers. Of those aged 25 to 34, 75% said they already feel worn out by work. (However, the figure was lower among graduates at 57%.)  This was also found to be of particular concern among senior managers and working parents, with 70% of senior employees stating they feel worn out by the responsibilities of their role, and 67% of parents.

Workers Believe Tech Will Create More Jobs Than It Destroys

The Humans vs Robots report, based on responses from 1,000 board-level and senior decision makers and more than 1,000 workers in 13 sectors across the UK, found that 54% of employees surveyed thought the rise of technological advancements will result in more jobs than before. Two-thirds (65%) of employees believed that, overall, technology had already increased the number of jobs available to them.

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