Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

For IndividualsFor People ManagersFor organisations

24 Sept

Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, World Mental Health Day has grown into a global movement that raises awareness and advocates for mental health. This year’s theme, ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,’ emphasises the essential role that mental health plays in creating supportive, productive, and thriving work environments.

The Reality of Mental Health in the Workplace

The latest data paints a concerning picture of mental health challenges in workplaces worldwide:

According to Gallup's State of the Global Workforce Report 2024:
- 34% of employees are thriving, but a staggering 58% are struggling, and 8% are suffering.
- 41% experience daily stress.
- 21% face daily anger.
- 22% feel sadness daily.
- 20% experience loneliness daily.
The McKinsey Health Institute estimates that 22% of the global workforce is experiencing burnout.
Findings from the CIPD Health and Wellbeing Report 2023 revealed that the sickness absence rate was the highest in over a decade, with employees taking an average of 7.8 days off per year—a significant increase from 5.8 days in 2019.

These statistics highlight that a significant portion of the global workforce is battling daily challenges that impact their overall well-being and productivity. This is a clear signal that mental health can no longer be an afterthought—it must be a top priority.

How Can We Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace?

Here are some actionable steps organisations can take to cultivate a mentally healthy work environment:

Conduct Employee Engagement Surveys: Regularly check in to understand how employees feel about the organisation, leadership, and team dynamics. This feedback is crucial for identifying areas of concern and improvement.
Train Managers: Educate managers on the impact their emotions and responses have on their team. This enables them to offer better support and lead more effectively, fostering a psychologically safe workplace.
Provide Wellbeing Training: Equip your team with skills that improve mental health, such as developing psychological flexibility and resilience.
Offer Support Services: Ensure access to counselling, coaching services or employee assistance programmes for those who might be struggling. Having these resources readily available can make a significant difference.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Implement flexible working arrangements, encourage regular breaks, and establish clear policies about after-hours communication. A balanced approach helps prevent burnout and boosts overall productivity.
Build Social Connections: Organise team-building activities and social events to strengthen connections and reduce feelings of isolation. A sense of community can greatly enhance employee well-being.

The Benefits of Prioritising Mental Health

Focusing on mental health not only supports employees but also brings tangible benefits to organizations. A mentally healthy workplace often experiences:

Increased productivity
Reduced absenteeism
Higher employee retention rates
Improved overall job satisfaction

Let's Take Action Together

If you’re committed to building a workplace culture where mental health truly matters, let’s connect. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for everyone.

Let’s work together to create workplaces that prioritise mental health!