Mental health tops employer concerns for fifth year running 

Mental health remains the leading health and wellbeing concern for employers for the fifth consecutive year, new research from employee benefits provider Everywhen shows. 

The study, published in February 2026, found 59 per cent of employers are concerned about the mental health of their employees. Nearly half (49 per cent) say supporting mental health will be their top wellbeing priority over the next 12 months. 

The findings underline the sustained pressure facing UK workplaces, where cost-of-living strain, increased targets and staff shortages are contributing to anxiety and stress. 

When asked what concerns them most about employee health and wellbeing, 59 per cent cited mental health. Physical health followed at 49 per cent, with employers referencing NHS pressures and difficulties accessing GPs and dentists. Financial wellbeing also ranked at 49 per cent, while 34 per cent raised concerns about social health, including isolation linked to hybrid working. 

Mental health has topped the list every year since Everywhen began its annual research in 2022. 

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, said the scale of the gap between mental health and other priorities is significant. 

She said: “We carried out comprehensive research to find out employers’ priorities for this year, including asking about a wide range of important issues such as health screening, MSK support and access to virtual GPs. We know that these areas are a concern for employers, so the fact that mental health came so high above these other priorities shows just how significant the concern is at present and for the future.” 

In terms of where organisations will focus support in the coming year, mental health again leads at 49 per cent. Financial wellbeing is the next priority at 27 per cent, followed by health screening (26 per cent), general fitness (25 per cent) and 24/7 access to a virtual GP (19 per cent). 

Other areas receiving attention include preventative lifestyle support (19 per cent), retirement planning (18 per cent), caring responsibilities (18 per cent), female health issues such as menstruation and menopause (18 per cent), and serious illness including cancer and heart disease (17 per cent). Neurodiversity and male-specific health issues were each cited by 14 per cent of employers. 

The data reflects a broadening of workplace wellbeing strategies across the UK, with employers increasingly recognising the connection between different pillars of health. 

Everywhen warns that, while mental health demands urgent attention, it should not eclipse other areas of need. Physical, financial and social wellbeing are closely linked to psychological health and weaknesses in one area can quickly surface in another. 

Clark said: “All areas of health and wellbeing have an impact on mental health and the mental health of those around us can have an impact too. A full and rounded approach to supporting the whole health and wellbeing of all employees is likely to be the most effective option.” 

For UK employers, the findings reinforce the need for joined-up wellbeing strategies rather than single-issue interventions. Financial pressures, delayed medical treatment and social isolation are not separate challenges; they are interconnected drivers of absence, distraction and reduced performance. 

With nearly half of employers planning to prioritise mental health investment this year, the report stresses that effectiveness and return on investment will be critical. Employers will need to demonstrate that support services are accessible, targeted and capable of delivering measurable workplace impact. 

As mental health remains at the top of the agenda for a fifth year, the message for UK workplace health and wellbeing leaders is clear: sustained concern now requires sustained action.