1 in 6 workers in the UK are dealing with a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or stress. Workplace factors — poor environments, discrimination, excessive workloads, and job insecurity — are all contributing causes. Here are five strategies to better support mental health at work.
1. Stop the Stigma
Employees fear discussing mental health with managers. Creating an open culture through approachable leadership and normalised conversations about wellbeing helps reduce stigma and encourages early intervention.
2. Start Conversations About Mental Health
Managers should recognise warning signs like mood changes, reduced work output, and withdrawal, then approach employees with empathy and active listening rather than formality.
3. Supporting Struggling Employees
Workplace adjustments — flexible schedules, remote work, extra breaks, phased returns — should be individualised without creating differential treatment that damages self-esteem.
4. Managing Time Off Work
Employers must demonstrate equal treatment of mental and physical illness. Proactive, person-centred approaches during absence support faster recovery and successful returns.
5. Managing Return to Work
Return-to-work interviews should address concerns, clarify gradual reintegration expectations, and reduce stress around the first day back.
Supporting mental health demonstrates organisational values and builds employee loyalty and engagement. Poor management of mental health issues risks losing valuable staff and damaging workplace morale.