ENERGY & UTILITIES

The energy and utilities sector in the UK is facing increasing challenges related to mental health among its workforce. High-stress environments, demanding work schedules, physical and emotional tolls, and job uncertainty contribute significantly to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Mental health problems in this sector not only affect employees' well-being but also have broader impacts on productivity, engagement, and safety. Addressing these issues requires urgent attention, with comprehensive support systems, open dialogue, and tailored mental health programs becoming vital for fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Key Points:

• Mental Health Issues Prevalence: Around 1 in 4 employees in the energy and utilities sector report experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related illnesses each year.

• High Stress and Job-Related Pressure: The sector involves demanding roles with long working hours, exposure to hazardous environments, and high job pressures, leading to an increased risk of burnout, anxiety, and stress.

• Absenteeism and Productivity Loss: Mental health challenges contribute to increased absenteeism, with studies showing that workers in energy and utilities sectors are absent from work up to 25% more than the general workforce due to mental health concerns.

• Suicide Rates: The energy and utilities sector also experiences higher suicide rates, with male workers, in particular, facing significant mental health risks. Suicide rates are often higher than the national average in the sector.

• Stigma and Lack of Support: Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, approximately 40% of employees in the sector feel that there is insufficient support for mental health, and 58% believe there is a stigma around discussing mental health in the workplace.

• Physical and Mental Health Link: Many employees in the energy and utilities sector work in physically demanding and potentially hazardous conditions. This often leads to physical injuries, which are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

• Impact on Safety: Poor mental health can contribute to safety risks, as stressed or mentally unwell employees may have difficulty focusing or making critical decisions, increasing the likelihood of accidents or errors in the workplace.

• Job Insecurity: The fluctuating nature of the energy market, privatization, and automation can create job insecurity, exacerbating stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges among employees, especially those in more vulnerable positions.

• Employee Engagement: Mental health issues are a significant driver of disengagement and turnover, with nearly 60% of workers in the sector citing stress as a reason for considering leaving their jobs.