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As Blue Monday casts its shadow as the so-called ‘most depressing day of the year’ (20th January), it serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges faced by many. When it comes to supporting employee mental health, not all industries are equal. And yet, with nearly 40% of European workers facing an increased risk of poor mental health, prioritising workplace wellbeing has never been more critical.

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To mark this important day, SEO agency Reboot Online analysed UK job adverts to uncover which industries are leading the way in promoting employee wellbeing, with technology and information industry ranking first setting the standard for how workplaces can balance productivity with wellbeing.

The industries investing the most in employee mental wellbeing

Ranking

Industry

Total job adverts

mentioning mental health

Percentage of mental health-related

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keywords across all industries

1

Technology, Information and Media

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8,884

23.56%

2

Hospitals and Health Care

7,651

20.29%

3

Professional Services

4,894

12.98%

4

Retail

2,172

5.76%

5

Manufacturing

1,892

5.02%

6

Consumer Services

1,662

4.41%

7

Education

1,489

3.95%

8

Construction

1,300

3.45%

9

Accomodation Services

1,157

3.07%

10

Administrative and Support Services

1,139

3.02%

11

Entertainment Providers

1,133

3.00%

12

Financial Services

973

2.58%

13

Government Administration

864

2.29%

14

Utilities

790

2.09%

15

Transportation, Logistics and Storage

692

1.83%

16

Wholesale

423

1.12%

17

Oil, Gas, and Mining

357

0.95%

18

Real Estate and Equipment Rental Services

147

0.39%

19

Farming, Ranching, Forestry

96

0.25%

Technology, Information, and Media industry leads 

Leading the pack, the Technology, Information, and Media industry stands out with 8,884 job ads featuring mental health-related keywords—representing 23.56% of all such ads across industries. Key benefits like health insurance (28.49% across all industries) and employee assistance programs (19.08%) dominate the offerings. Although perks like yoga classes (3.24%) and meditation spaces (0.36%) are less common, the sector’s overall focus on mental health reflects its progressive approach to employee wellbeing.

These efforts align with the industry’s broader adoption of flexible working arrangements, high salaries, and remote work, all of which contribute to improved mental health outcomes. A study by Forbes notes that happiness levels increase by 20% when employees can work remotely—an advantage readily available in tech roles.

Hospitals and Healthcare rank second

In a sector directly linked to care and wellbeing, it’s no surprise that Hospitals and Healthcare rank second with 7,651 job ads including mental health-related benefits. Health insurance (25% across all industries) and mental health training (18.56%) are among the top offerings, alongside mental health days (20.27%). Despite the high-stress environment, these initiatives highlight the industry’s recognition of its workforce’s mental health needs, accounting for 20.29% of all mental health-related job ads.

Professional Services comes in third with 4,894 relevant job ads, comprising 12.98% of all such listings. The standout offering here is health insurance, appearing in 35.41% of its ads, significantly higher than other benefits like employee assistance programs (13.53%) and mental health days (11.89%). The sector’s emphasis on robust benefits packages likely stems from its competitive landscape and high employee expectations.

At the opposite end of the spectrum lies Farming, Ranching, and Forestry, with just 96 job ads featuring mental health-related keywords—amounting to a mere 0.25% of all ads analyzed. While employee assistance programs (33.33%) and health insurance (34.38%) feature prominently, other resources like yoga classes or wellness apps are entirely absent in the mental health keywords related to this industry. This stark contrast highlights a significant gap in mental health support within the sector.

Shai Aharony, CEO of Reboot Online comments: “Prioritising mental health is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a critical component of long-term business success. A workforce that feels supported is more resilient, creative, and motivated, leading to higher productivity and innovation. Employers that prioritise mental wellbeing not only attract top talent but also reduce absenteeism and turnover, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in their industries. Investing in mental health is a smart business strategy that not only benefits employees but also safeguards business outcomes, creating a resilient workforce that drives sustainable growth.”

Credit: Rebootonline 

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