Mental Health in the Workplace and Why it Matters

Thanks to the hard work of many campaigners over the years, mental health stigma in the UK is steadily reducing. As people begin to talk more openly about their wellbeing, this invites a challenge to all of us to consider how we respond and support each other. For employers, there is a real necessity to prepare as conversations around mental health are likely to become more frequent as businesses and organisations grow. 

It is intuitive to recognise that healthy, happy employees require less absences due to sickness and are more productive when they are at work. Additionally, where there is a culture that supports good mental wellbeing, the organisation is likely to become a more desirable place to work, increasing staff retention and the ability to fill vacancies. 

There are many stressors facing the UK at the moment, this includes the cost-of-living crisis. It does not need to be said that there is a financial benefit from being employed but people also benefit from a sense of purpose and increased activity. These can act as buffers against financial and other life stressors. It is clear therefore that there is a reciprocal relationship between an organisation’s success and employees’ mental health. Indeed, the 2023 Mind Health Report from AXA indicates that employees are “3 times more likely to thrive” if they are in a workplace that offers mental health support with only 6% of those categorised as having the best mental health intending to leave their jobs in the near future. If employers can nurture the relationship between work and mental health, it is likely the business will prosper as well as the employees themselves.

As such, at Investing in Wellbeing we believe it is a worthwhile pursuit  to make mental health and wellbeing for employees a priority. More information on our offer to businesses and organisations can be found here www.investinginwellbeing.co.uk