On Wellbeing for Manufacturing

On Wellbeing for Manufacturing

On the surface, the manufacturing sector seems to be thriving. UK manufacturers employ 2.6 million workers, from production operatives and quality assessors to consultants and engineers, and collectively contribute £224bn to the UK’s GVA (Gross Added Value).¹ But a deeper look reveals that outputs could be affected by growing rates of absenteeism and lower productivity due to burnout and stress.

Manufacturing is driven by output and operates at a high pace, piling pressure on employees. Workplace pressures combined with a lack of employer-provided support can lead to an unmanageable mental health crisis among workers.

On Wellbeing supports manufacturers in creating a structured, proactive mental health approach which goes further than relying on reactive EAPs. Employees who might have only engaged once they hit a crisis point can instead access continuous, preventative support to help improve mental health literacy and build mental resilience before stress leads to absence or burnout.

The need for wellbeing support in the manufacturing industry

Nearly 40% of manufacturers identify worsening mental ill health as the main cause of long-term sickness absences reported in 2024, up from less than a quarter in 2017.³ In an industry where employees often work long, unsociable hours, manage heavy workloads and are exposed to dangerous situations, investment in a strong workforce mental wellbeing programme should be a standard rather than a perk.

Almost half of the UK’s manufacturing companies have substantially increased investment in employee wellbeing initiatives from 2024.¹ To see real change across the industry, businesses must invest in accessible, inclusive and educational support.

The On Wellbeing platform tackles absenteeism and common mental health issues like stress and burnout with a proactive mental health approach designed to help individuals make positive behavioural changes. This is a step in the right direction towards removing the stigmas that exist around mental health and creating a healthy workplace culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their issues.

Manufacturing businesses that invest in their employees’ mental wellbeing can expect to see lower absenteeism and employee turnover due to higher satisfaction and improved mental health literacy. In turn, businesses benefit from improved performance of employees and smoother, more functional operations due to more supported colleagues.

Mental health in the manufacturing industry

Mental health challenges can affect employees and businesses in manufacturing, and a lack of mental health literacy at every level can contribute to these issues. By prioritising proactive mental wellbeing initiatives focused on building understanding and education, manufacturers can improve the situation at an employee and business level.

How it affects businesses

Research shows that over 1 in 10 employees have left the manufacturing industry in the last year due to poor mental health.³ UK manufacturing companies also reported an average of 199 sick days in 2023, leading to disrupted operations, reduced workforce efficiency and significant revenue loss. This figure was up 88% from 2019, showing how quickly the problem is growing.⁴

Poor mental health in manufacturing may be due to job insecurity, uncertainty about the industry’s future and the threat of digital technology. Noisy and disruptive working environments could also impact workforces.

High absenteeism and low workforce retention and satisfaction can cause a rapid decline in productivity and output. With many manufacturers lacking a structured mental health strategy supporting employees to return to work, the high costs associated with unplanned leave and a declining workforce will continuously affect profits.

How it affects employees

The high-demand, output-focused nature of the manufacturing industry can lead to stress and burnout and impact mental health when individuals don’t have the tools to open up about their experiences. Combined with a poor work-life balance due to shift working patterns, an always-on culture and pressure to meet targets, working in this industry can take a toll.

Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, a stigma around the topic exists within the industry and creates a barrier to workers receiving the help and support they need.