UK firms rank deteriorating mental health and cybersecurity as top people-related risks

Rapid changes to working conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed gaps in the ability of organisations to respond to risks associated with their workforces, according to a new report by Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB). Conducted a year after the declaration of the pandemic, UK respondents in the global survey of over 1,300 HR and risk management professionals ranked deteriorating mental health; cybersecurity, and talent attraction, retention and engagement as the top people-related risks facing firms.

According to the report, Turning people risk into a business opportunity, the main barriers to addressing these issues were a lack of senior leadership engagement and a lack of skilled resources to understand and address the exposures. The survey catergorised 25 people risks into five main categories of people risks (health & safety; governance & financial; accelerated digitisation; talent practices; environmental & social) with each risk allocated a risk rating score – a combination of likelihood and impact ratings – to assess the overall threat posed to an organisation.

Globally, cybersecurity was ranked as the top people-related risk. However, mental health deterioration was the top risk issue for UK respondents, reflecting the considerable progress made in recognising and destigmatising mental health issues. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is named the fourth highest people-related risk, highlighting the focus from many firms in getting this right on the back of ongoing world events that have put the spotlight on race and gender inequity. This latter point is also reflected in recent research from MMB and the Reward & Employee Benefits Association, where DEI was seen to be the number one challenge facing organisations in 2021.

Interestingly, communicable health conditions were not considered a top ten risk in the UK despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report revealed some blind spots for organisations with talent practices and accelerated digitisation named as the two overarching risk areas with the lowest focus. Limited focus on these areas will create longer term issues if not addressed as organisations struggle to find the workforce to compete in key growth sectors.

While globally HR and risk departments were fully aligned on cyber and talent as the top two risks, HR respondents identified succession and key person risk as the third most important; a threat that did not appear in the top 10 for risk managers. In the UK, both HR professionals and risk managers scored talent attraction, retention and engagement and deteriorating mental health in their top three risks. Despite this consensus, it may be that the rationale for such scoring differs as between UK HR professionals and risk managers. For instance, risk managers may have in mind the risk of employee claims against employers whilst HR may be thinking of maximising employee potential; and both are relevant. The important element is that both agendas are aligned, creating opportunities for both teams to collaborate and create a greater impact.

“Despite deteriorating mental health being highlighted as a top concern to UK businesses, engagement among executive leadership and board level accountability remains low,” said Chris Bailey, Partner and UK&I Consulting Leader, Mercer Marsh Benefits. “This is particularly worrying as the UK COVID-19 restrictions end and businesses start asking employees to return to workplaces. Now more than ever the wellbeing and mental health of colleagues should be on boardroom agendas. For people related risks to be dealt with effectively, management need to be genuinely engaged and give them the necessary attention. HR teams and risk management professionals must work together and consider the strategies they have in place to mitigate these key risks and, if they don’t look robust, redesign processes, policies and provisions for the future.”

 

To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here.

Media contact

Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio

Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Image provided by Veeam

AI and Ransomware: Cutting Through the Hype

Rick Vanover, Vice President Product Strategy, Veeam discusses how It might be the great paradox: Artificial Intelligence (AI)….
Copyright: Security Buyer

AmiViz Partners with Titania

AmiViz announced a strategic distribution agreement with Titania. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing…
Oil and Gas

Navigating Africa’s Oil & Gas Industry

A comprehensive analysis of security strategies in Africa’s oil and gas industry, covering physical, cyber, and remote surveillance measures.
blackhat

Black Hat Europe Starts Soon

Black Hat Europe starts Monday and now is the perfect time to start planning your experience. With a full lineup of Keynotes…

VIVOTEK’s All-in-One Software Boosts Operational Efficiency for Enterprises

As demand for high-efficiency security systems rises among large enterprises, the global leading…
Assa Abloy website

WTC Amsterdam enhances security and efficiency with digital access solution

The World Trade Center (WTC) Amsterdam, home to over 300 companies, has upgraded its building security with a streamlined, digital access solution from ASSA ABLOY.
John Maddison website

Fortinet launches Lacework FortiCNAPP to enhance cloud-native security

In an advancement in cybersecurity, Fortinet has announced Lacework FortiCNAPP, providing organisations with visibility and security.
GITEX Global 2024 website

GITEX GLOBAL 2024: AI revolution drives strategic tech innovation

GITEX GLOBAL 2024 concluded on Friday, showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force driving business and economic growth
Security Mircon website

Edge Storage Powers Cloud Security

Micron Technology, alongside International Security Buyer, conducted a survey of installers, integrators, distributors, and security managers
Scroll to Top