The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

91% of UK adults experienced high levels of pressure or stress in 2023, causing one in five to take time off work. Those statistics from Mental Health UK's Burnout Report 2024 highlight the importance of supporting employee mental health in the workplace.

In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of good mental health, explore the impact of poor mental health and discuss how employers can support their workers with actionable tips on making your workplace a better environment.

The Importance of Employee Mental Health

Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It's a state of well-being encompassing emotional, psychological, and social factors. Good mental health allows employees to thrive at work. The Mental Health Foundation report a clear correlation between positive mental well-being and positive performance at work. Here are some ways that good mental health can benefit employee satisfaction and performance:

  • Increased productivity and focus: Employees experiencing good mental health demonstrate a sharper ability to concentrate, leading to higher output and better quality work.
  • Enhanced engagement and morale: When employees feel supported and valued, their engagement with the company increases, fostering a more positive and motivated workforce.
  • Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism: Poor mental health can lead to increased sick leave and presenteeism (being physically present but unproductive). A focus on well-being helps reduce these issues.
  • Positive company culture and employer branding: Companies known for fostering a healthy work environment tend to attract and retain top talent, enhancing their employer brand.

The Impact of Poor Employee Mental Health

The consequences of neglecting mental health in the workplace can be significant. A report by Deloitte estimates that poor mental health among employees costs UK employers £42bn - 45bn a year. This cost arises from factors such as:

  • Increased stress, anxiety and depression: These conditions negatively impact performance, creativity and overall well-being.
  • Decreased job performance and creativity: Employees experiencing mental health challenges struggle to focus and deliver their best work.
  • Higher turnover rates: When employees feel unsupported and overwhelmed, they are more likely to leave their jobs. Staff turnover costs as a direct result of poor mental health were estimated at a cost of £9bn in Deloitte’s study.
  • Negative impact on teamwork and communication: Workplace stress can lead to conflict, poor communication and a breakdown in team dynamics.

Actionable Tips for Employers

Now, let's explore some practical steps businesses can take to prioritise employee mental well-being:

  • Promote work-life balance and flexibility: Flexible working arrangements, such as remote working or compressed hours, can significantly reduce stress and improve employee well-being by allowing them to work their jobs around their home life and hobbies.
  • Organise stress management workshops and mental health training: Equipping employees with tools to manage stress and improve their well-being can be incredibly beneficial. Some businesses also pay for employees to take part in Mental Health First Aid training, an internationally recognised course which allows employees to further understand workplace mental health and how to support one another.
  • Encourage open communication and create a stigma-free environment: Openly discuss mental health and encourage employees to seek help if needed.
  • Recognise and reward employee contributions: Recognising and rewarding outstanding work fosters a sense of value and belonging.
  • Lead by example: Management should champion healthy workplace practices, setting a positive tone for the entire organisation.
  • Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/
  • CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
  • Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
  • Mental Health First Aid England: https://mhfaengland.org/

Helpful Resources

Get In Touch Today