Understanding the Impact of Mental Health in the Workplace
Posted on 2nd April 2025 at 17:35
Year-on-year, workplace mental health is becoming an increasingly important focus for businesses, with rising stress levels and burnout affecting employees across multiple sectors. This has affected both employees and organisational productivity, with 1 in 4 adults in the UK having experienced a mental health problem in 2024.
Implications for Employers
The ongoing surge in mental health issues is creating multiple challenges for employers as outlined above. Increased non-attendance has contributed significantly to lost productivity with nearly 10% of UK adults taking time off work for mental health reasons each year.
This absenteeism also places strain on existing employees who may be required to take on extra workload, leading to potential burnout and further worsening any potential cycles of negative mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Meanwhile, for those who do continue to attend work, mental health is causing reduced efficiency and increased errors which is further impacting overall productivity and team performance.
Mental health challenges also contribute to higher turnover rates, as employees facing persistent stress, anxiety, or burnout may seek alternative employment where they feel better supported. High turnover not only increases recruitment and training costs but also disrupts team cohesion and knowledge of business operations, making it harder for businesses to maintain continuity and expertise.
Strategies for Supporting Employee Mental Health
There are several measures which can be taken to create a supportive environment for employees including implementation of mental health training, providing access to resources, regularly assessing workplace stressors and promoting open communication.
Mental health training equips managers and staff with the skills to recognise and address mental health issues. Courses such as the QNUK Level 1, QNUK Level 2, and QNUK Level 3 . Awards in Mental Health at Work provide comprehensive training to support workplace mental health.
These courses can be complemented with resources such as employee assistance programmes and managers should always ensure that staff know how to access available mental health services.
Whilst Managers should regularly assess workplace stressors, it is also beneficial to have mental health first aiders present in the workplace. Your dedicated mental health first aider will be trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and intervene early to prevent any issues from worsening.
This also provides a non-judgemental, professional support for employees to access at any time, promoting a positive workplace culture where employees feel supported and comfortable discussing any issues they may be experiencing.
Prioritising mental health in the workplace is no longer optional - it is essential for fostering a productive, engaged, and resilient workforce. The statistics from 2024 highlight the urgent need for businesses to take meaningful action in addressing workplace mental well-being. By investing in specialised training courses and providing accessible support systems, employers can create an environment where employees feel valued and supported.
A proactive approach to mental health not only improves individual well-being but also strengthens organisational performance, reduces costs, and enhances company culture.
If you’re looking to improve your mental health support in 2025, contact us for details on the regulated and tailored mental health training that we can provide at First Aid Safety.
Ready to take your safety culture game to the next level? Book a call with our team of experts today and start your journey towards a more compliant future. Don’t just comply—thrive! Send us a message by clicking HERE or dial 020 7112 8543
Tagged as: mental health, mental well-being
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