The Growing Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace: A Preventative Approach
The conversation around mental health in the workplace is changing. It’s no longer enough to address mental health issues as they arise. In fact, the financial cost of mental health in the workplace is staggering; an estimated £42-45 billion is lost annually due
to people experiencing poor mental health. But more than just the cost, it’s the human impact; over 875,000 workers suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to 17.1 million lost working days. We all know the effect on not just the individual but teams and business as a whole.
More concerning still, mental illness is the leading cause of work-limiting conditions for employees under 44. For younger workers, those aged 16–34, the number reporting mental health challenges has quadrupled in the past decade. Many factors contribute to this: financial pressure, social media, and our lifestyles, to name a few.
The big question is, what CAN be done to
address this?
As we move toward the 2025/2026 financial year, more companies recognise the need for a proactive, preventative approach. It’s about having ongoing conversations, not just annual appraisals. Mental health must be embedded in everyday workplace culture, with continuous conversations around mental health (positive ones included), open discussions, a holistic well-being strategy, self-health education and access to outside support.
A question for companies:
Are we doing enough to support our employees’ mental wellbeing? Are our current well-being strategies proactive, or are they only reacting to situations as they occur?
Investing in mental health initiatives isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s essential for fostering an engaged, productive, and healthy workforce. In fact, for every £1 invested in menta
l health support, employers see a £5 return. These returns come from reducing absenteeism, improving productivity, and creating a more positive work environment.
My approach, through optimism and hope, is designed to tailor prevention strategies to help businesses prioritise mental health and build a culture whereby support is not just the responsibility of HR and people teams.
Together, we create workplaces that don’t just survive but thrive by supporting the mental well-being of every employee, and cultivating a flourishing workforce and business!
What is your workplace’s wellbeing action plan for 2025/2026?
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