A Holistic Approach for Workers, Organisations, and Communities
My name is Gillian Brooks, and I am a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at King’s Business School, King’s College London. In recent years, mental health and well-being have emerged as critical aspects of a healthy and productive workplace. As awareness around these issues grows, more organisations are recognising the importance of fostering an environment where employees' mental health is prioritised. This is not just a matter of social responsibility; it's a strategic investment that benefits workers, organisations, and even the broader communities they serve. It is for this reason that focusing on work-life balance makes a profound difference.
So to celebrate this year's World Mental Health Day (WMHD), I would like to share with you a holistic approach to addressing wellbeing in the workplace for workers, organisations, and global communities.
For employees, mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress, and burnout can have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives. According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health was the 5th most common reason for sickness absence in 2022, and 857,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression, and anxiety in 2023 in the UK alone.
When workplaces ignore these issues, the consequences can be severe: reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and a decline in overall job satisfaction. On the other hand, a workplace that actively supports mental health creates an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and motivated.
Implementing mental health initiatives — such as access to counselling, stress management workshops, or mindfulness programs — can reduce stress levels and help employees cope with challenges. Additionally, promoting work-life balance ensures that workers have time to recharge outside of work, fostering resilience and enabling them to bring their best selves to their jobs. And by creating a culture of openness around mental health, companies can help reduce stigma, encouraging workers to seek support when they need it.
Looking at Business Benefits
Investing in mental health and well-being is not just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart business move. 17.1 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2023. And since then, organisations that have prioritised their employees' well-being have seen a range of benefits, including improved productivity, higher engagement, and greater employee retention.
Enhanced Productivity: Employees who feel supported are more likely to be engaged and focused. They have the mental bandwidth to be creative and solve problems efficiently, which contributes to better performance and innovation. By reducing stress and creating a supportive work environment, companies can enhance productivity across the board.
Higher Engagement: When workers feel that their well-being is valued, they are more likely to be engaged with their work. Engagement drives commitment, enthusiasm, and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, translates to better teamwork and a more positive workplace culture, where individuals support each other and align with the organisation's goals.
Reduced Turnover: High turnover rates can be costly for organisations, both in terms of recruitment expenses and the loss of institutional knowledge. A focus on mental health and well-being helps retain talent by creating a more satisfying work experience. Employees who are healthy and supported are less likely to leave, reducing turnover and maintaining a stable, experienced workforce.
Looking at Community Benefits
The impact of prioritising mental health and well-being in the workplace extends beyond the office walls. When organisations take care of their employees, it creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.
In fact, it can promote healthier family dynamics. Employees who maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage their mental health effectively are more present and engaged in their personal lives. This means they can be better parents, partners, and friends, contributing positively to their social circles. The reduced stress levels help them engage more meaningfully with their loved ones, creating stronger, more resilient families.
Businesses who take a lead in promoting mental health, help normalise conversations around these issues, not only within the organisation itself but also in the broader community. This can encourage other businesses and local institutions to adopt similar practices, creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
Communities also thrive when their businesses are strong and stable. By reducing absenteeism and turnover, and by maintaining a productive and motivated workforce, businesses contribute to the economic stability of their communities. According to the Centre for Mental Health, the long-term economic impact of prioritising mental health can actually be seen in more resilient local economies, where businesses are equipped to weather challenges and continue to provide employment opportunities.
One of the most effective ways to support mental health and well-being is through a focus on work-life balance. When employees have time to disconnect from work and enjoy their personal lives, they can recharge, preventing burnout and long-term stress. Here are a few ways organisations can support work-life balance:
Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks can give employees more control over their schedules, allowing them to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. Flexibility helps reduce stress and allows employees to adapt to their unique life circumstances. As noted in a recent article by The Guardian, enhanced rights to request flexible working arrangements have been implemented in the U.K. as of 2024, further emphasising the importance of adapting work environments that support employee well-being.
Encouraging Time Off: Promoting the use of vacation days and mental health days allows employees to take the time they need to rest and recover. It’s important for organisations to actively encourage this, ensuring that taking time off is seen as a positive aspect of the workplace culture. A recent study highlighted by Forbes found that 47% of workers feel guilty for taking a vacation, underscoring the need for organisations to foster a culture where taking time off is encouraged and normalised.
Creating Boundaries: Encouraging boundaries between work and personal life, such as no email expectations outside of working hours, can help employees fully disengage from work when they are off the clock. This allows them to return to work refreshed and more capable of handling challenges. As highlighted by Sky News, giving workers the right to switch off could not only enhance their well-being but also potentially boost the economy, demonstrating the broader benefits of maintaining work-life boundaries. This incentive that has also been supported by the U.K.'s labour party.
To make a meaningful difference, addressing mental health and well-being must become a core part of a company’s culture. This means more than just having policies on paper — it requires a commitment from leadership, managers, and employees to create a supportive environment. Training managers to recognise signs of stress, providing access to mental health resources, and fostering open communication can make a big difference.
And involving employees in these efforts can ensure that initiatives are tailored to their needs. Whether through anonymous surveys, focus groups, or simply open conversations, gathering feedback helps create programs that truly resonate and make a difference in the lives of employees.
So, let’s remember the power of conversation in shaping a supportive community. This year’s WMHD focus on workplace mental health underscores the need for organisations to prioritise the well-being of their employees, creating environments where everyone feels valued and heard. By checking in with friends, family, and colleagues, we can foster connections that help us navigate life's challenges together.
Let’s not confine this important dialogue to just one day; instead, let’s make it a continuous effort to advocate for mental health awareness. Together, we can create a culture that not only acknowledges mental health but actively supports it, benefiting individuals and communities alike.