October Health – 2025 Report

Chronic illness in United Kingdom

The leading cause of chronic illness related to stress in the United Kingdom population is workplace stress, driven by factors such as excessive workloads, job insecurity, long working hours, and lack of control over work. This contributes significantly to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Supporting employee mental health through workplace interventions, including digital group sessions and assessments like those offered by October, can help mitigate these risks.

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Chronic illness Prevalence
5.27%
Affected people
2,898,500

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress on Health and Personal Life

  1. Physical Health Impact

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system, leading to more frequent infections
    • Chronic pain and fatigue exacerbations
    • Poor sleep quality and disturbances

  2. Mental Health Impact

    • Higher incidence of anxiety and depression
    • Cognitive difficulties, such as poor concentration and memory issues
    • Increased feelings of frustration, helplessness, and low self-esteem

  3. Personal Life Consequences

    • Strained relationships due to mood swings or lack of energy
    • Reduced social interaction and isolation
    • Impaired work performance and increased absenteeism
    • Financial stress arising from medical costs and potential loss of income

Workplace Support Tip:
Encouraging companies to offer mental health assessments and group sessions through platforms like October can help employees manage chronic illness stress more effectively, improving both well-being and productivity.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Chronic illness stress can lower employee concentration, energy, and output, reducing overall workplace productivity.
  • Increased Absenteeism: Employees experiencing stress due to chronic illness may take more sick leave, increasing absenteeism rates.
  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Increased demand for medical treatment and mental health support drives up healthcare spending for employers and public services.
  • Workforce Attrition: Chronic stress can lead to burnout and early retirement, shrinking the skilled workforce.
  • Lower Economic Growth: Combined effects on productivity and workforce participation contribute to slower economic growth.
  • Increased Disability Claims: More employees may qualify for disability benefits, increasing strain on social support systems.

Workplace support such as group sessions and stress assessments (e.g., offered by services like October) can help mitigate these effects by promoting early intervention and improving employee mental health.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies for a Country to Lower Chronic Illness Stress

  1. Improve Access to Healthcare

    • Ensure affordable, timely, and comprehensive healthcare services.
    • Increase availability of mental health support integrated with chronic illness care.

  2. Public Awareness and Education

    • Launch campaigns to educate the public on managing chronic illnesses and stress.
    • Promote healthy lifestyle choices that reduce risk factors for chronic diseases.

  3. Workplace Mental Health Support

    • Encourage employers to adopt mental health policies and provide resources, such as digital group sessions or counselling (e.g., through platforms like October).
    • Promote flexible working arrangements to help employees manage illness and reduce stress.

  4. Community and Social Support Programs

    • Facilitate support groups and peer networks for chronic illness sufferers.
    • Invest in social services that reduce isolation and provide practical help.

  5. Policy and Environmental Interventions

    • Implement policies to reduce socio-economic disparities affecting health.
    • Improve urban planning to encourage physical activity and reduce stress (green spaces, walkability).

These approaches together create a supportive environment, helping to lower stress associated with chronic illness at a population level.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How Companies Can Lower Chronic Illness Stress

1. **Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   - Offer remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options to accommodate medical appointments and fluctuating health conditions.

2. **Workplace Adjustments**  
   - Provide ergonomic equipment, private rest areas, and reasonable adjustments as per the Equality Act 2010.

3. **Open Communication and Support**  
   - Foster a culture where employees feel safe discussing health needs without stigma.

4. **Access to Mental Health Resources**  
   - Provide access to counselling, mental health apps, or digital group sessions like **Panda**, which support coping strategies and peer connection.

5. **Training for Managers**  
   - Equip managers with awareness and skills to support employees managing chronic illness.

6. **Promote Wellbeing Initiatives**  
   - Encourage activities that reduce overall stress such as mindfulness sessions, physical wellness programs, or resilience workshops.

Implementing these measures can help reduce stress linked to chronic illness, improving employee wellbeing and productivity.