Recent reporting from the BBC on the rising number of GP fit notes has sparked an important conversation about the factors driving sickness absence across the UK. While GPs often become involved when someone is formally signed off work, the underlying pressures that lead to absence — particularly stress, anxiety and burnout — build long before someone reaches the doctor’s surgery.
This raises an important question for organisations: what role can workplaces play in preventing these challenges from escalating in the first place?
The growing cost of poor workplace mental health
The impact of mental health challenges in the workplace is significant, both for individuals and for organisations. Research by Deloitte (2022) estimates that mental health problems cost UK employers up to £56 billion every year through sickness absence, presenteeism and staff turnover.
However, the same research highlights a powerful opportunity for employers. For every £1 invested in mental health interventions, organisations see an average return of £5.30 through reduced absence, improved productivity and lower staff turnover.
This demonstrates that investing in mental health support is not just the right thing to do — it is also a sound business decision that helps organisations build healthier, more productive workforces.
The role of managers in early intervention
Managers are often the first to notice when a team member is struggling. Changes in behaviour, performance, communication or engagement can all be early signs that someone may be experiencing stress or mental health difficulties.
Yet many managers report feeling unsure about how to respond. They may worry about saying the wrong thing, overstepping boundaries or lacking the knowledge to offer appropriate support.
Without the right tools and confidence, these early warning signs can go unaddressed — allowing problems to escalate to the point where an employee may need time away from work.
Equipping managers with the right skills and knowledge can make a significant difference. When managers feel confident having supportive conversations and responding appropriately, employees are more likely to receive help earlier, remain engaged in their roles and continue contributing productively at work.
Building psychologically safe and productive workplaces
At Kaleidoscope Plus Group, we work with organisations across the UK to help create workplace cultures that prioritise psychological safety, employee wellbeing and productivity.
Our approach focuses on giving leaders and managers the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond appropriately when someone is struggling. This includes:
Mental health awareness and training for managers, helping them recognise early warning signs and have supportive conversations.
Counselling and employee support programmes that provide accessible professional support for staff.
Workplace wellbeing strategies tailored to each organisation’s needs.
Guidance on creating psychologically safe environments, where employees feel able to speak openly about challenges.
By embedding these practical approaches, organisations can move from a reactive model — where support begins only after someone is signed off sick — to a preventative approach that supports people earlier, helping employees stay healthy, engaged and productive.
From absence to prevention
Reducing sickness absence requires more than simply managing fit notes or responding once someone has reached crisis point. It requires workplaces where wellbeing is prioritised, managers feel confident supporting their teams, and employees know that help is available when they need it.
With the right strategies in place, organisations can play a vital role in supporting mental health, preventing burnout and enabling people to remain healthy, engaged and productive at work.
As conversations about sickness absence continue, it is clear that employers have a powerful opportunity to be part of the solution.
At Kaleidoscope Plus Group, we are proud to work with organisations to build healthier, more supportive and more productive workplaces — benefiting employees, organisations and the wider economy alike.
