Statistics of work-related stress

In 2022/2023 a survey found that 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (both new and long-standing cases). An increase from 822,000 in 2020/2021. Self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. 

35.2 million working days have been reported to be lost in 2022/2023 from self-reported work-related ill health or injury. 

In 2022/23 the highest causes of work absenteeism were stress, depression, or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders.  

On average, each affected individual took approximately 15.8 days off work. The breakdown of days lost per condition is as follows:

• Injuries resulted in an average of 6.6 days off.
• Cases of general ill health led to 17.8 days absent.
• Stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for an average of 19.6 days off.
• Musculoskeletal disorders caused 13.9 days of work absence.

What is work-related stress?

The HSE defines work-related stress as ‘The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work’

Employers have a legal duty to manage the risks to employees’ health and safety, including the risks arising from stress.

Find out more about duty of care in the below video