Worrying new figures have revealed that loneliness in the workplace is growing in the south west.

The research, carried out by totaljobs, revealed that a quarter of employees in the region are considering quitting their jobs due to loneliness, and a third (34 per cent) admitting they don't confide in anyone about their mental health.

The research, which saw 5,750 people across the UK take part, highlighted that nearly half (45 per cent) admit to being lonely at work and a third (30 per cent) have called in sick due to loneliness during their career. A quarter (27 per cent) have quit their jobs because of loneliness in the workplace, with pressure (35 per cent) and not fitting in with colleagues (30 per cent) the main causes.

Half (45 per cent) believe their company does not do enough to combat lonelines in the workplace.

The recruitment company have partnered with mental health charity, Mind, to highlight the prevalence of loneliness in the workplace as part of a campaign to tackle the stigma of depression, and encourage employees to combat the issue, with 45 per cent saying their employers don't do enough.

Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at Mind, said: "Staying silent is one of the worst things people in difficulty can do. "Opening up to a colleague about how they're feeling can help them feel more relaxed about chatting to a manager. "Even if they don't want to speak about it, then you've let them know you care and will be there for them when the time is right."

The figures also revealed that there is a clear distinction between Millennials (ages 22-37) and boomers (ages 54-72) experiencing loneliness.

Pressure is cited as the leading cause of loneliness by 47 per cent of Millennials compared with 39 per cent of boomers, with stress levels and self-esteem also higher.

If you are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, call the following helplines:

  • Samaritans 116 123
  • Papyrus (for those aged under 35) 0800 068 41 41
  • Childline (for children and young people under 19) 0800 1111
  • The Silver Line (for older people) 0800 4 70 80 90

For more information on the research, visit totaljobs.com/insidejob/how-to-combat-the-rise-of-workplace-loneliness