Why Supporting Mental Health at Work Is Good for People and Business

Mental health isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s a critical factor in the well-being and performance of your workforce. When organisations take mental health seriously, everyone benefits. Here are 10 key reasons to prioritise it:

1️⃣ Retain skills by reducing staff turnover
31% of employees say they would consider leaving their role within a year if workplace stress doesn’t improve.

2️⃣ Cut sickness absence
Stress, anxiety and depression account for nearly 70 million sick days per year in the UK — costing the economy an estimated £70–£100 billion.

3️⃣ Reduce presenteeism
Mental-health-related underperformance costs UK employers £15.1 billion annually — around £605 per employee.

4️⃣ Show you mean it when it comes to CSR
Work-related mental ill health costs employers up to £26 billion a year, yet stigma and prejudice in workplaces still persist.

5️⃣ Lower the risk of grievances and complaints
Employee grievances are rising — often fuelled by poor well-being and a lack of support.

6️⃣ Stay compliant with legislation
Under the Equality Act 2010, mental health conditions that impact daily tasks may be considered a disability. Employers must avoid discrimination and make reasonable adjustments.

7️⃣ Create a healthier workplace
40% of health-related absences are linked to mental health, yet up to 90% of staff don’t feel able to be open about it.

8️⃣ Boost staff morale
60% of employees say they’d be more motivated — and more likely to recommend their organisation — if mental health support improved.

9️⃣ Increase engagement and commitment
As Dr. Justin Varney notes:
“Supporting mental health is not just a corporate responsibility… it’s good business too.”

🔟 Optimise performance
Well-being and performance go hand-in-hand. A proactive approach helps people thrive — and organisations grow.

Supporting mental health isn’t a cost — it’s an investment.
Let’s build workplaces where people feel safe, supported and able to perform at their best.

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