The Workplace Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025

This research was conducted by healthcare treatment providers UK Meds. Please credit the research by linking back to the webpage if using the data.

Producing work to a high standard relies on feeling physically and mentally healthy. Companies are increasingly acknowledging their responsibility for employee health and well-being. Studies have indicated that poor health, resulting in workplace absences and reduced productivity, costs the UK economy approximately £138 billion annually.

The rate of employee sickness in the UK has risen significantly over the past few yeras. And while physical sickness account for a lot of sick days, poor mental health now reportedly make up half of all work-related illnesses.

As we adapt to the challenges of modern work life, including the growing prevalence of remote and hybrid models, it’s more important than ever that companies adopt a comprehensive approach to employee well-being.

Our survey gathered insight from employees at 280 workplaces, with the aim of shedding light on health taboos in the workplace and helping people understand and talk about tricky health topics at work. 

Key findings

• 75% of employees have worked while physically or mentally unable to perform their duties. 

• 1 in 3 worry about how taking a sick day will be perceived. 

• Less than half of employees feel comfortable discussing their health concerns with colleagues.

• Women are 62% more likely to feel unsupported at work regarding health-related issues.

• Just 1 in 5 feel they can talk to HR or a people manager about their health concerns at work. 

• Two-thirds of people admit to feeling self-imposed pressure to continue working when they’re ill. 

• 25% are concerned about the financial implications of taking a sick day. 

• 82% of workplaces do not offer menopause support. 

Reality check: health and wellbeing is still a stigma in the workplace

At work, social taboo continues to discourage discussions about specific health topics and taking sick days Many workers worry that being open about their health challenges—whether physical or mental—could affect their careers. More than in 4 employees worry about the perception of taking a sick day and three-quarters have worked while physically or mentally unable to perform their duties.

Many employees prefer to keep their health matters private, fearing a lack of understanding from their employer. Only 20% of those surveyed said they would feel comfortable speaking with HR or a people manager about their health concerns at work. Certain topics arose as particularly sensitive subjects. As many as, 91% feel uncomfortable discussing their infertility and less than half can discuss mental health struggles. Just 10% of women also identified menstrual health as something they are comfortable discussing at work.

Pressures that keep employees from taking sick leave

The stigma and pressure from colleagues and managers

Workplace culture plays a significant role in employees’ decisions to take a sick day. More than one in five employees (22%) feel direct pressure from their manager to keep working despite being unwell, while 14% experience similar pressure from colleagues. Additionally, one in four employees worry about how taking a sick day might be perceived by others, making them hesitant to prioritise their health.

Many employees also struggle with internal pressures. Two-thirds of respondents admitted to feeling self-imposed pressure to continue working, even when unwell. 26% of employees would worry about whether they’ve recently taken a sick day. Concerns about job security also play a role, with 10% of employees worrying about their seniority or length of time at the company when considering whether to take a sick day.

Build-up of work

For many employees, the fear of returning to a backlog of tasks influences their decision to take time off. Around 30% worry about busy periods and deadlines, while the same percentage feel concerned about the amount of work that will pile up in their absence.

Meetings and responsibilities also weigh heavily on employees’ minds. More than a quarter (27%) factor in whether they have an important meeting before deciding to call in sick, and 32% consider whether someone else is available to cover their workload.

Financial concerns

For many, there are financial pressures of missing work, with almost a quarter of those surveyed concerned about the financial implications of taking a sick day. This highlights the tough choices many people face between managing their health and meeting financial obligations. This pressure can be even greater for hourly workers and those without paid sick leave. The fear of lost wages or reduced income can make it difficult for employees to prioritise their well-being.

Employees struggle to speak to HR about their health worries 

Our study showed that 1 in 10 employees do not feel supported in the workplace when dealing with health-related issues. Even on a one-to-one level, employees aren’t getting the support they need because they don’t feel they can be open. 

• Less than half of employees feel comfortable discussing their health concerns with colleagues.

• Around half of employees feel comfortable speaking to their manager about their health.

• Just 1 in 5 feel they can talk to HR or a people manager about their health concerns.

What health topics are still taboo at work?

It’s clear that the reason why people struggle to open up is due to the fact that certain health topics remain difficult to discuss in the workplace:

• Just 10% of women feel comfortable discussing menstrual health at work, while 9% feel comfortable discussing their infertility. 

• Less than half of employees can discuss mental health struggles.

• 46% of employees feel unable to discuss any of the following issues: mental health, weight loss, menopause, menstrual and sexual health.

How are workplaces supporting their staff?

While improvements need to be made, some workplaces are taking measures to improve employee wellbeing.

• Nearly half (45%) of workplaces offer flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to attend medical appointments without the added stress of missing work or using annual leave.

• Less than half of workplaces (41%) offer mental health support through counselling services. 

• Around 45% of organisations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide confidential support for a range of personal and work-related issues.

• 39% of workplaces provide free flu vaccinations. 

• Despite growing awareness of mental health concerns, only 13% of workplaces offer dedicated mental health or wellbeing days.

• Workplace support for menopause remains low, with only 18% of organisations offering resources.

Mental health at work: a growing concern

Mental health continues to be an issue which needs to be addressed in the workplace. In fact, 60% say their work itself impacts their mental health, showing that job pressures, workload, and workplace culture can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. 

Our survey highlighted that mental health at work is a growing concern for our respondents. Key findings include:

• 50% of employees feel their employer does not support their mental health, highlighting a significant gap in workplace wellbeing initiatives.

• Over a quarter of people worry about how their manager or team will perceive them taking a mental health day, making it difficult for employees to prioritise their well-being.

• 62% feel unable to discuss their mental health at work, reflecting a culture where employees do not feel safe being open about their struggles. 

• 73% feel uncomfortable discussing their colleagues’ mental health at work, which suggests a lack of education, awareness, or confidence in handling sensitive conversations.

• Just 25% of workplaces have trained Mental Health First Aiders, meaning most organisations lack designated individuals who can provide initial support and guidance for those struggling with their mental health.

Gender disparities in workplace health support

Nearly two-thirds (60%) of women in the UK believe their health issues are not taken seriously, and this is evident in the workplace too. It’s important that employers work to narrow gender health gaps within their own work environment as well as proactively support the health needs and priorities of both male and female employees.

What disparities do women face?

Lack of support  

• Women are 62% more likely to feel completely unsupported at work regarding health-related issues.

• 13% of women feel completely unsupported when dealing with health concerns at work.

• Women are 20% less likely to feel they can take sick leave when needed.

• Women are 27% more likely to worry about how their team perceives their absence due to illness.

• Women are 24% more likely to worry about taking a mental health day.

• 65% of women report feeling internal pressure to work even when they are unwell.

• 3 in 4 employees have worked while feeling unwell, with women 20% more likely to do so than men.

Lack of resources

• Men are twice as likely to receive private medical insurance compared to women.

• Just 18% of workplaces offer menopause support.

How workplace support differs by company

The size of the company may also impact health and wellbeing initiatives. Larger companies may offer more extensive health and wellbeing programs, while smaller firms might provide a more personalised approach but with fewer resources.

• Large companies are 155% more likely to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) than small businesses.

• Large companies are 25% more likely to offer flexible working than smaller companies.

• Employees at small businesses are 66% more likely to feel supported at work with their health concerns. 

• Employees at large companies are 50% more likely to feel comfortable talking to a manager about health concerns.

• In large and mid-sized companies, employees generally feel they can take sick leave when needed, whereas in small businesses, the ability to take time off is often contingent on ensuring work coverage.

• Employees at large companies are 62% more likely to worry about how their team or manager will react to them taking sick leave.

What can employers do to support their employees?

Our survey results highlight several key areas where employers can make a real difference:

Create a culture of openness:

Encourage honest conversations about mental and physical health at work.

Improve HR accessibility:

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking support from HR and management.

Expand flexible working options:

Allow for adjustments that accommodate medical appointments and health-related needs.

Strengthen mental health support:

Increase access to counselling services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and Mental Health First Aiders.

Address gender disparities:

Implement targeted policies to better support women’s health, including menopause support.

Reduce the stigma around sick leave:

Educate managers and employees on the importance of taking time off when unwell.

With the right policies and initiatives in place, businesses can create a workplace environment where employees feel valued, supported, and able to perform at their best.

Final Thoughts

The UK Meds Workplace Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025 highlights a clear message: employees need better support for their physical and mental health.

• Many feel pressure to work while unwell, worry about the stigma of taking sick leave, and struggle to discuss their health at work.

• While some businesses are making progress, more needs to be done to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and able to prioritise their well-being.

• By fostering open conversations, improving workplace policies, and addressing health disparities, employers can build healthier, happier, and more productive teams.

• Investing in workplace wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do—it benefits both employees and businesses alike.

Key Takeaways:

Many employees work when they’re unwell because they feel pressured.

Three-quarters of workers have worked while sick, and many worry about how taking a sick day will be seen by their boss or colleagues.

Mental health support is still lacking in workplaces.

Over half of employees don’t feel their employer supports their mental health, and 62% don’t feel comfortable talking about it at work.

Women often feel less supported with workplace health issues.

They are 62% more likely than men to feel unsupported, and only 18% of workplaces offer menopause support.