Published: May 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes
Suitable for: Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors and Employees
Topics: Mental Health | Wellbeing | Workplace Culture | Employee Support
At a glance
Main goal: Create a workplace where employees feel supported and able to discuss their wellbeing.
Who should be involved? Everyone in the organisation.
Key action: Encourage open communication and provide appropriate support.
Benefits: Improved wellbeing, stronger teams and a healthier workplace culture.
Why this matters
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on how we support wellbeing at work. While awareness campaigns help start important conversations, creating a mentally healthy workplace is something that should happen throughout the year.
Employees perform at their best when they feel supported, respected and able to speak openly about their wellbeing. By encouraging positive conversations and providing appropriate support, businesses can help improve morale, engagement and overall workplace culture.
Why should employers prioritise mental health?
Mental health affects everyone differently, and anyone can experience periods of poor mental wellbeing.
Supporting employees benefits both individuals and organisations by helping to:
- Reduce work-related stress
- Improve employee wellbeing
- Increase engagement and productivity
- Reduce sickness absence
- Create a more positive workplace culture
- Encourage employees to seek help earlier
A supportive workplace makes it easier for people to raise concerns before they become overwhelming.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace
Building a positive culture doesn’t require complicated initiatives.
Simple actions include:
Encourage open conversations
Regular one-to-one meetings and team check-ins give employees opportunities to discuss how they’re feeling and raise any concerns.
Listening without judgement is often just as important as finding solutions.
Lead by example
Managers and business owners set the tone for workplace culture.
By speaking openly about wellbeing, maintaining healthy working practices and encouraging work-life balance, leaders help create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for support.
Provide appropriate support
Support may include:
- Employee Assistance Programmes (where available)
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Flexible working arrangements where appropriate
- Wellbeing resources
- Signposting employees to external support organisations
Not every business will offer the same support, but every organisation can encourage people to seek help when they need it.
Promote respect and inclusion
Employees should feel able to express concerns without fear of judgement or stigma.
Creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued helps improve wellbeing across the organisation and encourages stronger working relationships.
What does the law say?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, which includes considering risks to mental wellbeing where work activities may contribute to stress or other health concerns.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess workplace risks, including those that may affect employees’ mental health.
The Equality Act 2010 also protects employees from discrimination related to disability, including some long-term mental health conditions. Employers may be required to consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Related resources
Documents
Need more help?
Supporting mental health is an important part of creating a healthy, productive workplace. Small actions, such as encouraging conversations, promoting respect and ensuring employees know where to find support, can make a meaningful difference.
The Health & Safety Portal provides practical resources to help organisations promote positive wellbeing, including policy templates, e-learning courses, toolbox talks and guidance to help you build a workplace where everyone feels supported.