Mental health affects all of us, yet it’s often a topic that gets overlooked in the workplace. In fact, 1 in 4 people* will experience a mental health problem in any given year, making it crucial for businesses to promote open, supportive conversations.
The Importance of Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
Investing in mental health support within the workplace leads to increased productivity, reduced absence, and improved employee retention. A supportive environment not only benefits employees but also enhances the organisation’s overall performance.
Despite growing awareness around mental health, many employees still struggle to speak up. Younger workers, in particular, are the most likely to bottle up their feelings, with 69% of 16-24-year-olds* and 72% of 25-34-year-olds* admitting they avoid saying how they really feel. This highlights the need for workplaces to create a culture where employees feel safe to share their concerns without fear of judgement.
Strategies to Build a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace
- Grow a Supportive Culture: Encourage open conversations about mental health. Normalise discussions to reduce stigma and make employees feel safe to share their experiences.
- Provide Access to Resources: Offer mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, and self-help materials. Ensure employees know how to access these resources.
We work closely with BHSF (Building Healthier Stronger Futures), a trusted provider of EAPs designed to help businesses create a healthier, more resilient workforce. We highly recommend their RISE packages, which offers personalised, on-demand and proactive support and advice. Find out more here.- Implement Supportive Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote mental wellbeing, such as flexible working arrangements, reasonable accommodations, and clear procedures for addressing mental health concerns.
- Train Leadership: Equip managers and leaders with the skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately. Training can help them provide support and refer employees to professional help when needed.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and set boundaries between work and personal life. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for mental wellbeing.
How CE People Can Support Your Business
At CE People, we understand that creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just about ticking boxes it’s about creating a culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. Our expert HR services can help businesses implement the right policies, training, and support systems to promote workplace wellbeing.
Here’s how we can help:
- HR Policies & Compliance – We’ll ensure your business has clear, supportive mental health policies in place, including stress management, flexible working, and employee wellbeing strategies.
- Training & Development – We provide leadership training to equip managers with the skills to handle difficult conversations, recognise signs of burnout, and support employees effectively.
- Employee Wellbeing Initiatives – From mental health check-ins to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) recommendations, we help businesses introduce initiatives that make a real impact.
- Conflict Resolution & Grievance Support – If workplace challenges arise, we offer expert guidance on handling sensitive situations with care, professionalism, and compliance.
- Integrating Breathe – A user-friendly HR software that simplifies managing employee wellbeing. With features like absence tracking, performance management, and secure document storage for mental health policies, Breathe helps businesses stay organised while ensuring employees receive the support they need. Find out more about Breathe here.
- Ongoing HR Support – Whether you need on-demand advice or a fully outsourced HR function, we’re here to provide practical, tailored solutions that fit your business.
Get in touch today and discover how CE People’s bespoke HR packages can transform the way you manage your people, and ensure their mental health is always a priority.
*Data sourced from Rethink Mental Illness: https://www.rethink.org/campaigns-and-policy/awareness-days-and-events/time-to-talk-day/
