More than one in ten, or 13%, of employees in the UK are unhappy at work, according to a study developed by Robert Half and Happiness Works, a firm that measures workplace happiness and productivity, and conducted by an independent research firm.

Robert Half suggested that the UK workforce is becoming increasingly held back by mental health problems such as stress, depression and anxiety.

The study also cited data from the Health and Safety Executive’s Labour Force Survey that shows over 15,000,000 days were lost over a 12-month period due to reported mental health problems caused or worsened by work, such as stress, depression or anxiety. This accounts for over half (57%) of total missed days due to self-reported illness. Additionally, burnout caused by stress and anxiety is responsible for over two fifths (44%) of all reported illnesses in the workplace.

Robert Half’s research also found that 31% of UK respondents admitted to finding their work stressful, while 12% of employees reported being dissatisfied with their work–life balance.

“It is crucial that businesses look at the ways in which they can help their employees and spot signs of burnout early,” Matt Weston, Managing Director, Robert Half UK, said. “Building a positive work environment and recognising the connection between employee happiness and mental health, as well as nurturing good working relations within the company are vital to successfully reducing stress and burnout in the workplace.”