Why It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace
Every year, World Mental Health Day reminds us that our wellbeing is inseparable from the environments where we live and work. Yet for many people with mental health challenges, the workplace can be both a source of pride and pressure.
At Steps Together, we believe that promoting mental health in the workplace is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and can reach their full potential.
Mental Health in the Workplace
The modern workplace is fast-paced, hybrid, and constantly connected. While flexibility and technology have opened new opportunities, they’ve also blurred boundaries.
Many professionals struggle to switch off, leading to work-related mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, or depression, and general poor mental health.
In fact, around one in six employees experiences mental health issues related to work. Without effective support and open communication, these can escalate into mental ill health and long-term absences.
Recognising early signs, such as fatigue, irritability, or decreased focus, is important to provide adequate support. Employers and employees who work together to promote mental health at work create a genuine connection.
The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health at Work
Ignoring mental health in the workplace has consequences that reach far beyond temporary stress or low morale. Failure to prioritise a team’s mental health will affect the organisation’s overall health.
The Human Cost
Behind every statistic is a person who may be struggling in silence. Long hours, excessive workload, and a lack of psychological safety can lead to serious mental health problems.
When not addressed properly, this lack of psychological safety affects not only an employee’s health but also their confidence and sense of belonging. A culture that discourages open discussion of mental health can make people feel isolated or unable to seek help when it’s most needed.
The Cultural Cost
When mental health is ignored, workplace culture suffers. Teams begin to normalise exhaustion, equating long hours with dedication and silence with strength.
Not acknowledging the importance of mental health leads to a lack of trust, authenticity, and creativity. Employees mask their struggles instead of voicing them, and innovation slows as people disengage. A culture that prizes performance over well-being ultimately limits its own potential.
The Financial Cost
The business impact of poor mental health is significant. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for nearly half of all work-related illnesses in 2024.
This translates to millions of lost working days and billions in productivity losses each year. Beyond the financial toll, organisations face higher absenteeism and turnover, all of which weaken long-term performance.
How Employers Can Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing
A healthy workplace culture begins with leadership. Employers can support their teams by embedding mental health and well-being into policies and everyday conversations.
At Steps Together, our Workplace Wellbeing services help organisations protect and promote mental health. We provide occupational health services and tailored programmes that help staff look after their mental health both in and outside of work.
Our goal is to help each organisation establish a culture of open and honest communication and active listening. With our services, groups can help make sure everyone feels safe to share concerns and seek help.
Moreover, we work with organisations to confront issues like harassment, bullying, and ineffective working arrangements. This helps you build healthier environments that protect and support mental health at work.
The Reset Programme: Recovery from Burnout and Work-Related Stress
For individuals struggling with work-related stress or burnout, our Reset Programme offers a structured path toward recovery and resilience. This holistic programme combines therapeutic care, self-care guidance, and practical coping strategies to help people regain balance.
Over a 7 to 14-day programme, participants receive a holistic blend of support catered to different needs. Each person begins with a personalised care plan that identifies pressure points across life.
Elements of the programme include:
- One-to-one therapy sessions to explore underlying issues
- Support working sessions to translate insight into action
- Psycho-education workshops and group work, helping people understand mental health conditions and how to cope
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) when appropriate
- Gym/personal trainer sessions to support physical health
- Mindfulness group work and personal reflection time, helping with clarity & focus
- Access to sauna and steam room, providing restorative environments
The programme’s environment helps reduce external stressors so participants can focus fully on healing. It’s a way to promote deeper recovery and resilience before returning to the work environment with renewed purpose.
To see what’s possible when wellbeing becomes a priority, read real-life stories from clients who rebuilt their health and confidence through our Reset Programme.
How to Look After Your Mental Health at Work
Looking after your mental health at work is essential to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. A mentally healthy workplace supports both individual wellbeing and organisational success.
Here are ways employers and employees can work together to protect mental health in the workplace.
Prioritise Health and Safety for the Whole Person
Mental health is as important as physical safety. Make sure your health and safety policies recognise emotional wellbeing as part of overall workplace protection. This includes preventing stress, overwork, and toxic environments that can harm morale and productivity.
Encourage Open and Honest Conversations
A mentally healthy culture begins with communication. Encourage employees to speak up about challenges or pressures without fear of judgment. Managers can model openness by sharing their own strategies for managing stress and seeking support.
Recognise the Early Signs of Mental Health Problems
Changes in mood, motivation, or concentration are often the first indicators that someone may be struggling. Early recognition allows for effective support before small problems become major mental health and work issues.
Promote Self-Care and Work-Life Balance
Encourage staff to take breaks, use annual leave, and disconnect outside of working hours. Supporting mental health at work means recognising the need for rest and recovery. This is important for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout.
Offer Access to Mental Health Support
Providing access to professional resources, such as counselling or wellbeing programmes, can help employees manage stress effectively. Occupational health services and mental health first aiders can also play a vital role in early intervention and ongoing care.
Staying Mentally Healthy Outside of Work
Your mental health doesn’t stop mattering when the workday ends. What you do after hours can make a big difference in how calm and focused you feel day to day.
Taking care of yourself outside of work helps you recharge and show up feeling more balanced and ready for whatever comes next.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s easy to let work spill into personal time, especially when your phone is always nearby. But everyone needs moments to truly switch off.
Try setting simple boundaries, such as logging off on time, silencing notifications in the evening, and taking your holidays without guilt. Giving your mind space to rest is an important part of protecting your energy and staying well.
Build a Steady Routine
Small, steady habits can do wonders for your well-being. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and finding time for movement or mindfulness can help keep your mood and focus steady.
Routines give your days a rhythm that makes it easier to manage stress and stay centred when life gets busy.
Stay Connected with Others
Feeling supported makes a huge difference. Spend time with people who make you feel safe and heard. This could be your friends, family, or even colleagues outside of work hours.
Talk about how you’re feeling and listen to others, too. Sharing what’s on your mind reminds you that you don’t have to carry things alone.
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care is how you refill your cup. Find small moments that bring you peace or joy. This could be a walk outdoors, listening to music, reading, or simply sitting quietly,
Explore things that make you you relax and unwind. These small moments of care help you feel grounded and ready to face the week ahead with more strength and clarity.
Take Action on Mental Health and Wellbeing This World Mental Health Day
This World Mental Health Day, let’s make a collective commitment to promote good mental health at work. Together, employers and employees can create safe and supportive work environments that nurture wellbeing and purpose.
At Steps Together, our health service teams are ready to guide your organisation in developing a sustainable mental health action plan. This plan prevents mental health problems, reduces work-related mental health conditions, and supports people living with mental health challenges.
Remember that when you look after your mental health, it’s easier to build workplaces that protect and inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of mental health in the workplace?
Warning signs include changes in mood, motivation, and concentration, as well as fatigue, irritability, and decreased focus. These early indicators often show that an employee may be struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout.
What to do if an employee is struggling with mental health?
Employers should respond with compassion, encourage open communication, and provide access to mental health support such as counselling or wellbeing programmes. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and promoting work-life balance helps employees recover and maintain long-term wellbeing.
