Mental Health in the Workplace: Improving Employee Wellbeing
Reading time
Date posted
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re exploring workplace mental health and its growing importance. For readers interested in diving deeper into the topic of mental health, explore our curated collection of texts here.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, considerations around mental health have become critical for both individuals and organizations. With many spending a good portion of their adult lives at work, it is no surprise that the environment in which they work plays a crucial role in shaping their overall mental wellbeing.
The wellbeing of an employee does not only impact their personal mental state, but also influences how they and others operate within an organization. With all this in mind, it becomes apparent that understanding and addressing mental health in the workplace is not just a matter of moral importance, but is also an essential component of a successful business.
The Evolution of Workplace Mental Health
The conversation around mental health at work has changed significantly over the past few decades. What was once a relatively taboo topic to be spoken of in a hushed manner has now become a more accepted element of day-to-day life, with more support systems in place along with a greater understanding of mental health.
The traditional approach of simply dealing with mental health issues as they arise has given way to preventive strategies and supportive frameworks. This evolution has been accelerated by changing workforce demographics, increased awareness of mental health impacts on productivity, and a growing understanding of the interconnected nature of physical and mental health.
Modern workplaces are increasingly recognizing that mental health support isn’t just about managing crisis situations, it’s about creating environments where employees can thrive and maintain their wellbeing proactively.
“…despite the increased conversations about mental health, we are left with the question of how to support individuals with mental health issues. Raising awareness and destigmatizing is a good first step. However, awareness without action is still ineffective overall.“
– The Routledge Companion to Mental Health at Work (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2024)
Improving Your Wellbeing as an Employee
Managing work-related stress and improving one’s own wellbeing can require a proactive approach from employees. Here are a few strategies workers have adopted to help balance their work with their wellbeing.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Set and maintain realistic work hours, including sufficient breaks, and learn to disconnect from work during personal time.
Develop Healthy Work Habits: Create a structured daily routine that incorporates physical activity, mindfulness practices, and meaningful social connection. Regular exercise, even if it’s just a short walk during a break, can go a long way to boosting one’s mental wellbeing.
Understanding Workplace Support: Understand your workplace mental health policies and available support systems. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification about available resources and accommodations.
Recognize Your Patterns: Learn to recognize early warning signs of stress and burnout. Pay attention to changes in your sleep patterns, mood, or energy levels that might indicate the need for additional support or adjustments to your work routine.
Build Support Networks: Cultivate professional relationships that provide emotional support and mentorship. Having trusted colleagues to share experiences with can help normalize mental health discussions and provide valuable perspective.
“Mental health and mental health in the workplace is a critical issue facing all of us and should not be ignored simply because our systems are focused on physiological issues.“
– Mental Illness in the Workplace: Psychological Disability Management (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2016)
Employer Responsibilities and Actions
Many of the employee strategies above are contingent on employer support. Indeed, organizations and their heads play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy working environment. Some effective approaches for businesses include the following.
Create a Supportive Environment: Foster open dialogue about mental health through clear policies, accessible resources, and comprehensive manager training. This includes creating safe spaces for employees to discuss their challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Implement Preventive Measures: Offer flexible working arrangements and regular workload assessments while actively promoting work-life balance. This might include implementing quiet hours, no-meeting days, or encouraging regular breaks throughout the workday.
Develop Support Systems: Establish comprehensive employee assistance programs and peer support networks, with clear pathways for seeking help when needed. Ensure these resources are well-communicated and easily accessible to all employees.
Lead by Example: Encourage leadership to adopt healthy work behaviors and openly discuss mental health. When leaders prioritize their own mental health and share their experiences, it helps normalize these conversations throughout the organization.
Regular Assessment and Adaptation: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of mental health initiatives and be willing to adapt approaches based on employee feedback and changing needs.
“Human learning is from observation, and in this light, employees continually observe and emulate the behaviours and attitudes of their role models within the organisational space. Leaders, therefore, must embrace this responsibility and engage in intentional rather than accidental role modelling.“
– Employee Wellbeing: Contemporary Workplace Challenges and Evidence-Based Interventions (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2025)
Understanding Individual Circumstances
Given the broad range of mental health challenges an individual may face, it must be said that there are no simple one-size-fits-all solutions. Different professions, workplace environments, and personal circumstances require varied approaches. What works in a corporate office setting might not apply to healthcare workers, remote employees, or field staff. The key is recognizing these differences while maintaining core principles of support and understanding, such as those outlined earlier.
The Importance of Employee Wellbeing
The journey toward better workplace mental health is ongoing and evolving. Success requires commitment from both employers and employees, working together to create environments where people can thrive both professionally and personally. By acknowledging the importance of mental health and implementing supportive strategies, organizations and individuals can build more resilient, productive, and healthy workplaces for everyone.
As we continue to understand more about mental health in the workplace, it’s clear that investing in mental wellbeing is not just an ethical imperative but a business necessity. Creating psychologically safe and supportive work environments benefits everyone, from improved individual wellbeing to enhanced organizational performance and innovation.
“It is no longer sufficient for employers to prevent injuries on the job; we expect employers to make a deliberate and constructive contribution to sustaining employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. It is not good enough to do no harm; responsible employers design work to enhance employees’ health and fulfillment at work.”
– The Routledge Companion to Wellbeing at Work (Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2017)
Mental Health Tips for Students
Supporting Mental Wellbeing
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re showcasing a variety of mental health topics relevant to life both inside and outside academia.
Feeling overwhelmed by assessments? Watch the video and discover effective strategies for managing exam stress.