Ahead of Blue Monday, released figures* show that, over the past decade, mental health conditions have been either the first or second highest cause of claim by employees on work-sponsored group income protection (GIP) policies. Accordingly, in 2023 (latest data available), 22% of GIP claims were for mental illness which was just shy of the 24% for cancer – the most claimed-for condition on GIP last year.

Further analysis of GIP data shows that mental illness is the condition where early intervention support makes the most significant difference: in 2023 nearly half (47%) of those who were helped back to work by early interventions made by GIP insurers, were those suffering from mental ill-health.

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Our data highlights that mental illness has been, and continues to be, a really significant issue for employees, but it is also where pre-emptive strategies and timely interventions can have a profound effect.

“If Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year for staff, it’s worth sparing a moment to think about how those who are already struggling with their mental health might be feeling at this time. Ensuring that workplace support is readily available, easily accessible and fit for purpose will give employees the best possible chance of being a present and productive member of staff during, what can be, some depressing days and months of the year.”

As well as GIP providing a replacement income should staff be unable to work through illness or injury, it also comprises employee and employer interventions which are highly utilised for mental health. This includes rehabilitation services, fast access to counselling, manager training programmes and Employee Assistance Programmes which, by offering advice and counselling to staff when they have a problem, are designed to avert an absence from happening in the first place. With so much in-built support, this benefit is often provided by employers to help staff remain in the workplace, as much as it is for providing financial stability if they are unable to do so.

Katharine Moxham continued: “Mental health support needs to be in place all year round –  it’s by no means something that can or should be addressed in January alone. However, if nothing else, Blue Monday represents an annual reminder for organisations to ensure support for employees will meet their needs, whether this is general help with mental wellbeing, or if employees develop a more serious mental health condition.”

*research from GRiD