Perhaps you were too busy to notice, but it's Mental Health Awareness Week. With UK employees ranking among the worst in Europe for long hours, tight deadlines and limited autonomy, it's worth taking a moment to ponder the lack of psychological equilibrium across our stressed-out workforce.

While some argue that society is increasingly pathologising normal human emotions, concerns about work-life balance and mental health are not just personal issues. The financial implications are staggering with the cost to UK employers estimated at £42-£45 billion annually, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

But are we simply slapping a new label on something that has been there all along? Is it merely that more people feel at ease with coming forward about their mental health concerns? New research out this week suggests this is not entirely the case.

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According to the findings by recruitment giant Reed and mental health charity SANE, 85% of workers in the UK have experienced symptoms of burnout or exhaustion due to their job. Almost half - 47% - felt they needed time off work to restore their mental wellbeing.

Yet 10% of those who did so said they didn't feel comfortable disclosing mental health as the reason for their absence. Additionally, 26% who have never taken time off for their mental health say they have needed to, but felt unable to do so due to workload, fear of judgement or financial concerns.

So despite all the emphasis in recent years on recognising and addressing mental health challenges,........

© Herald Scotland