October Health – 2025 Report

Life changes in United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the leading cause of life changes stress at the population level is typically related to financial and employment instability, such as job loss or job insecurity. These issues often create significant stress due to economic pressures and uncertainties about the future. Other major contributors include relationship breakdowns and health concerns, but employment and financial challenges remain the most prevalent sources of life changes stress nationally.

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Life changes Prevalence
17.94%
Affected people
9,867,000

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular problems (e.g., hypertension, heart disease)
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illness
    • Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and headaches

  • Mental Health:

    • Heightened anxiety and depression symptoms
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
    • Increased risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
    • Reduced ability to cope with daily challenges and workload
    • Decreased overall life satisfaction and well-being

Workplace Tip: Employers can support employees by providing access to mental health resources, such as digital group sessions through platforms like October, which offer assessments and content aimed at managing stress effectively.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Workforce Productivity: Increased stress from major life changes (e.g., divorce, death of a loved one) can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism, lowering overall productivity.
  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Stress-related health issues increase demand for healthcare services, raising costs for employers and public health systems.
  • Increased Mental Health Issues: Higher stress levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, affecting employee engagement and retention.
  • Decreased Consumer Spending: Individuals under stress may reduce spending, impacting businesses and economic growth.
  • Greater Need for Workplace Support: Organisations may need to invest more in mental health support, including digital group sessions or assessments, such as those provided by platforms like Panda, to help employees manage stress effectively.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Social Support Networks: Encourage community groups and workplace peer support to help individuals cope with major life changes.
  • Provide Accessible Mental Health Services: Ensure free or affordable counseling and therapy to address stress related to life transitions.
  • Enhance Job Security and Financial Stability: Implement policies that reduce economic uncertainty (e.g., unemployment benefits, job retention schemes).
  • Offer Education and Resources: Provide public education about managing life changes and stress resilience, including workplace mental health programs like October’s digital group sessions.
  • Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote flexible working hours and employee wellbeing initiatives to reduce stress from balancing work and personal life changes.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How Companies Can Lower Life Changes Stress

1. **Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Offer remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options to help employees manage personal changes like moving house, new family members, or illness.

2. **Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)**  
   Provide access to confidential counselling services and mental health support tailored to coping with major life events.

3. **Open Communication and Supportive Culture**  
   Encourage managers to check in sensitively about life changes, fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing challenges.

4. **Educational Workshops**  
   Run sessions on managing stress related to major life changes, including financial planning, time management, and emotional resilience.

5. **Use Digital Group Sessions and Tools like October**  
   Offer group digital sessions and personalized assessments through platforms like October to support employees in understanding and managing their stress effectively.