A survey of UK employers and employees conducted by not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health revealed that 33% of businesses in the East of England have experience of an employee leaving the company due to poor mental health support.

The researched underlined the importance of mental health provision in the workplace, with almost half of workers (46%) admitting they would seek a new job if their mental wellbeing wasn't being supported by their employer. The same percentage said a supportive mental wellbeing policy would increase the likelihood of them joining a new company.

With 37% of workers in the region saying their jobs have become more stressful over the last two years, Benenden Health is highlighting the need for businesses to engage with their employees to understand mental wellbeing requirements - that could ultimately prevent them from leaving the company.

Although 55% of employers in the region say they genuinely care about the mental wellbeing of their employees, only 50% of employers have asked employees what they would like to see in terms of support. Workers perceive this as even less - only 38% of workers in the East of England believe that mental wellbeing is a priority in their workplace.

Bob Andrews, CEO at Benenden Health, said: "It is concerning that employers in the East of England have reported losing good staff due to poor mental wellbeing provision, something that employees clearly consider important, and which could be creating a perfect storm for UK businesses.

"The data highlights a missed opportunity for companies to listen to their employees and promote good mental wellbeing within their organisation, as this can have a real positive effect not only on the health of employees but also on absence rates, productivity, recruitment and retention.

"Businesses who do not take an interest in strengthening their mental wellbeing provision also risk missing the opportunity to access a talent pool that would be loyal to a company that prioritises positive mental wellbeing.

"It’s important that employers don’t just talk the talk when it comes to mental wellbeing, but also put things into practice to support their staff. It’s not too late though. I hope these findings will encourage businesses to think again about how they approach wellbeing within their organisation and make their workplace an even better place to be."