The Cost of Silence: How Poor Men’s Mental Health Hurts the UK Economy

Written By Paul Amuzie

In the UK, we often talk about the "productivity puzzle"—the mystery of why our economic growth hasn't kept pace with other nations. While experts point to technology and investment, a massive part of the answer is sitting right in our offices and construction sites, often in total silence.

The reality is that poor mental health among men isn't just a personal struggle; it is a major economic drain. When men feel they cannot speak up, the "cost of silence" is measured in billions of pounds.

1. UK Productivity Data: The Billion-Pound Leak

The scale of the issue is staggering. Recent data reveals that poor workplace mental health cost the UK economy £102 billion in 2023 alone. This isn't just about people being "unhappy"—it’s about the tangible loss of output.

Research from Mental Health UK suggests that roughly 72% of this cost comes from lost productivity. For men, the pressure to "man up" often leads to a decline in cognitive function and focus. In fact, studies show that a decline in mental health can result in an average loss of 54 minutes of productivity per week per employee. Across the millions of men in the UK workforce, those minutes quickly turn into a national crisis.

2. Absenteeism & Presenteeism: The Hidden Drain

When we think of mental health at work, we often think of people taking "sick days" (absenteeism). In 2024, mental health conditions accounted for over 20 million lost working days in the UK.

However, the bigger, quieter threat is presenteeism—where men show up to work but are physically or mentally unable to function effectively.

  • The 2:1 Ratio: For every £1 lost to absenteeism, employers lose approximately £2 to presenteeism.

  • The Gender Gap in Reporting: While women are more likely to take a sick day for mental health, men are 18% more likely to disguise their struggle as a "minor ailment" like a cold or headache.

As the 2025 Burnout Report highlights, 1 in 5 workers admit their performance is severely impacted by stress, but they choose not to disclose it, preferring to suffer in silence while their work quality suffers.

3. Employer Responsibility: Moving Beyond "Ticking Boxes"

It is no longer enough for companies to simply have a handbook or a once-a-year awareness day. There is a clear return on investment (ROI) for businesses that take men’s mental health seriously.

Evidence from Deloitte shows that for every £1 invested in employee wellbeing, employers see an average return of £5.30. This return comes from:

  • Higher staff retention.

  • Reduced recruitment costs.

  • A more motivated, focused workforce.

As Lewis Hamilton recently noted, "Mental health is just as important as physical health. You have to nurture your inner world the same way." Employers have a duty to create a culture where men feel that "nurturing" their mental health won't lead to being passed over for a promotion or judged by their peers.

4. B8TS Workplace Work: Breaking the Cycle

At Br8ke The Silence (B8TS), we believe that the workplace shouldn't be a place of isolation. Our mission is to strengthen community capacity by giving men the tools to talk before they reach a breaking point.

Our workplace programmes focus on:

  • Practical Peer Support: Creating safe spaces within companies where men can be honest without fear of stigma.

  • Training for Managers: Helping leaders spot the subtle signs of "presenteeism" in their male staff.

  • Community Capacity: Linking corporate teams with local support networks to ensure no man is left to struggle alone.

By breaking the silence in the office, we don't just improve lives—we build a more resilient, productive, and successful UK economy.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Support our Mission: Visit our Donate page to help us fund more community-led support groups.

  • Join the Conversation: See our upcoming outreach programmes on our Events page.

References & Data Sources

Bupa Wellbeing Index (2025):Workplace Health Trends

Paul Amuzie
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Why Men Don’t Talk About Mental Health (And How We Change That)