Its no doubt that workers in the UK are faced high levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression, especially towards the end of the year when everyone is exhausted from the business and pressure of the ending work year. A good amount of workers are impacted, and this more likely than not affects their personal lives and health overall.
Sure, mental health awareness is not as stigmatised as it used to be, but many workers are still hesitant to bring up these struggles at work out of fear of judgment or unwanted attention.
As much as most employers say they have mental health support available, less than half of employees actually know how to access these services. There seems to be a stigma—many employees worry they’ll be seen as weak or unreliable if they do mention that they’re experiencing mental health struggles. This makes it tough for those who need it to be comfortable enough to ask for it.
Managers often struggle with this topic as well, with so many reporting that they’re unsure how to bring up conversations about mental health. This discomfort can lead to an environment where people feel they have to handle everything on their own, without the support they might need.
How Can HR Make Mental Health Support More Accessible?
One way HR can build a supportive environment is by keeping mental health visible in everyday interactions. Bringing up mental health in team meetings or casual check-ins helps normalise the topic, creating a space where employees feel more comfortable being open about how they’re doing. Regularly discussing available mental health resources keeps the idea of support fresh in people’s minds.
Feedback from employees is also helpful. Quick surveys or one-on-one chats give HR a sense of what’s working and what isn’t, and where employees may feel left out or hesitant. Displaying resources on a workplace intranet or a common notice board can make support easy to access, removing the need for anyone to ask directly.
Managers who receive training on recognising mental health signals and engaging in sensitive conversations feel more confident reaching out to employees. A simple “How are you doing?” from a trained manager can make employees feel seen and cared for, helping them feel supported.
What Foundations Can HR Build For Mental Wellbeing?
A good place to start is to build clear mental health policies and reminding employees about these resources often. A good policy doesn’t have to be lengthy or complex—just something that clearly explains what’s available for workers, and how to use these available resources.
Online and in person social activities could also give people a chance to relax and connect outside of just work tasks. These casual interactions help people build relationships, which can help deal with feelings of isolation and encourage a stronger support system among team members.
Giving workers more flexible working schedules is also a good place to start. Giving employees the option to adjust their work hours where possible, with some sort of accountability system, can help them manage their responsibilities at work and at home, which could really help with stress and bring a healthier work-life balance.
What Practical Changes Can HR Make To Support Mental Health?
Here are a few actions HR teams can take to support employees’ mental health:
1. Regular One-on-Ones
Setting up frequent one-on-one chats opens up a private space for employees to speak about any personal or work-related stress.
2. Manager Guidance
Training sessions give managers the tools to recognise when employees might be struggling and how to approach them with empathy.
3. Mental Health Go-Tos
Appointing Mental Health Council members makes mental health support more accessible and gives employees a friendly, familiar face to turn to.
4. Personal Wellness Plans
Encouraging employees to make personal wellness plans lets them outline what they need from their managers to maintain good mental health.
5. Employee Assistance Programme
Confidential support services, like an EAP, give employees a safe and private way to get help when needed.
How Can Business Owners Show Support For Mental Health?
Business owners can also actively support mental health by recognising periods of high stress and being prepared to give workers extra help during these times. Busy seasons, like the “end of year rush”, big projects, and major organisational changes can create pressure, and having resources ready during these times helps employees feel supported. Even giving workers breaks, rotating “off days” during these periods, would help workers catch a break now and then.
Bringing in a mental health advocate within the company sends a message that employee wellbeing matters. This advocate acts as a bridge that brings employees resources as well as creating a safe space for people to reach out for help.
Regular updates about mental health resources—whether in a team meeting, through email, or posted on an intranet—keep the information fresh and accessible. Hosting short training sessions for employees and managers builds an open culture, making conversations around mental health feel natural.
What Creates A Supportive Culture For Mental Health?
A positive culture around mental health comes down to making workers feel seen, understood, and safe. Managers should actively make time to sit and listen to what workers have to say, and report back.
Team-building activities, like group walks or casual gatherings, also bring people together in a relaxed way, so that they feel more connected. When leaders are proactive and set clear policies for respect and inclusivity, everyone feels more valued.
Easy access to mental health resources, such as through a dedicated intranet page or an info board, gives employees a way to find support without needing to ask directly, because that might be intimidating. An opt-in welfare contact, where employees can choose a person to reach out to in tough times, adds an extra layer of reassurance.
What Actions Can Employees Take to Support Their Mental Health?
Employees can also do a few things to take care of own mental health. Good sleep routines can be a simple but really important aspect to improving wellbeing; keeping a regular sleep schedule, cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine, and taking a break from screens before bed can all help.
And of course, taking a break from news and social media from time to time can also make a difference, giving the mind some breathing room. Digital detoxes have proven to be so beneficial for mental and physical health.
Lastly, especially for remote workers: setting up a comfortable workspace, free from distractions, and making time for activities like hobbies or socialising outside work hours helps employees recharge and it makes it that work is not the only thing the employee is focused on in their everyday lives.
