A study from Bupa provided some results that could concern organisations trying to improve employee absence management, such as the finding that more than one in ten (12 per cent) middle managers feel 'close to breaking point'.

One in five (21 per cent) people working at this level said they have been struggling with stress for more than a year.

Half (51 per cent) of respondents said they worry constantly, while 40 per cent had experienced depression as a result of stress.

The research highlighted several other problems linked to this issue, including the ongoing stigma attached to mental health concerns.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) of managers said they are unlikely to speak up about their stress, with only 12 per cent talking to their boss about it and 15 per cent worrying it would make them appear weak.

Furthermore, a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents said they feel too stressed to provide help and support to junior colleagues struggling with their own problems.

Patrick Watt, corporate director at Bupa, said mental illness remains heavily stigmatised in business, despite being recognised in most other parts of society.

"This research shows that there is still not enough support within businesses at any level of the organisation," he added.

"Work is not going to get less stressful. So we need to get better at recognising the early signs of stress and mental health issues in ourselves and our colleagues, and promoting a culture which encourages people to speak up and ask for help."

Bupa recently launched Healthy Minds, a programme designed to help businesses identify early warning signs of mental illness and provide support for employees struggling with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.