Employers across the UK will be keeping a close eye on sickness absence and mental health issues today, with the day anecdotally being noted as the day where employees are most likely to feel blue after Christmas indulgence and a long wait to pay day.

However, in recent years, the day is viewed somewhat lightheartedly and is viewed by many as a purely social media day where for HR suppliers will post advice.  Some don’t buy into the existence of the day at all.

Christine Husbands, managing director for RedArc says,

“Some may see Blue Monday as trivialising mental health issues, but in our experience, anything that raises awareness of the need to look after mental wellbeing is positive.

“We still find that many people struggle to make the first call to ask for help. We make a point of letting employees know that we’re available, but it can still take courage to pick up the phone.

“We see some great results in improved mental wellbeing following our support, but the important thing is that people seek help early. Every year our nurses get more and more requests to support mental health, and this is partly due to the topic of mental wellbeing being discussed widely and openly, so we very much welcome anything that encourages the topic to be raised.”