Ways Employers Can Boost Mental Health at Work

Mental health is now one of the biggest workplace challenges for UK employers. Rising stress levels, higher sickness absence and increased turnover mean organisations need to take proactive steps to support staff wellbeing. This guide outlines practical actions employers can take, and how an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can help you deliver meaningful support.

Why employers must prioritise mental health at work

Poor mental health is a leading cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK, according to research from the CIPD. Employers also have a legal duty to protect their people's health, safety and welfare, which includes mental health, and to assess and manage the risk of work-related stress. Related article: How to Reduce Work-Related Stress: 6 Ways to Support Staff

Both Acas and the Health and Safety Executive HSE highlight the role employers play in creating psychologically safe workplaces. When organisations invest in mental health, they can see:

• reduced sickness absence
• higher retention and engagement
• improved productivity
• a stronger organisational culture

Supporting mental health isn't just the right thing to do. It's essential for a healthy, productive business.

Early signs employees may be struggling

Managers and HR teams should look out for:

• changes in behaviour or mood
• reduced performance or concentration
• increased absence or lateness
• withdrawal from colleagues
• signs of stress or burnout

Spotting issues early allows employers to step in before problems escalate.

Practical ways employers can improve mental health at work

Below are practical strategies UK employers can use to support their people's mental health.

Flexible working options

Offering hybrid or flexible hours helps staff manage personal responsibilities and reduces stress.

Employee-led wellbeing initiatives

Give employees a voice in shaping wellbeing activities. This increases engagement and relevance.

Inclusive social events

Create low-pressure opportunities for connection. Avoid events that exclude certain groups.

Volunteering programmes

Employer-supported volunteering boosts morale and gives staff a sense of purpose.

Wellness hours or protected breaks

Encourage staff to take regular breaks to reduce burnout and improve focus.

Breakout spaces and quiet rooms

Provide calm areas where employees can decompress during busy days.

Mental health days

Offer no-questions-asked mental health days to support early intervention.

Manager mental health training

Equip leaders with the skills to recognise issues and respond appropriately. Related article: EAP for Managers: How Employee Assistance Programmes Support Leaders in the UK

Where an employee's mental health condition affects their work, you may also need to consider reasonable adjustments, such as changes to their hours, workload or working environment.

How an EAP supports mental health at work

An Employee Assistance Programme is an effective way for employers to support staff wellbeing. Wisdom Wellbeing's [Employee Assistance Programme] provides:

• 24/7 confidential mental health support
• counselling and structured therapy
• manager advice and guidance
• support for personal, financial and emotional issues

This early, accessible support can help reduce absence, and improve retention and workplace morale.

An EAP gives employees a safe space to seek help, and gives employers confidence that staff can access professional support whenever they need it.

UK employer FAQs

What are employers' legal responsibilities for mental health?

Employers must protect employees' health, safety and welfare under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and assess the risk of work-related stress under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. HSE's Management Standards provide a recommended framework for doing this.

How can employers reduce mental health-related absence?

Early intervention, flexible working, manager training and access to an EAP can help reduce absence.

What support should employers offer staff?

Clear policies, open communication, reasonable adjustments and access to professional support such as an EAP.

How does an EAP help employers?

EAPs provide expert support, reduce HR pressure, improve wellbeing and strengthen organisational resilience.

Related entities

UK employer mental health support: guidance on how organisations can meet their wellbeing responsibilities and support staff effectively.

Workplace wellbeing strategies: practical approaches employers can use to improve mental health and reduce absence.

Acas mental health guidance: official advice for employers on handling mental health concerns fairly and legally.

HSE Management Standards: HSE's recommended framework for identifying and reducing work-related stress risks.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support services that help employees manage personal and work-related challenges.

Manager mental health training: skills and tools that help leaders recognise early signs of distress and respond appropriately.

Reducing sickness absence: employer actions that help lower mental health-related absence and improve productivity.

Employee retention strategies: approaches that help organisations keep staff engaged, supported and committed.

Flexible working policies: options that reduce stress, improve work-life balance and support mental wellbeing.

Workplace culture improvement: steps employers can take to build a psychologically safe and supportive environment.

Related articles

How to Reduce Work-Related Stress: 6 Ways to Support Staff

How to spot the early signs of stress in your team

Mental Health Sick Leave: What UK Employers Need to Know

Reasonable Adjustments at Work: Employer Guide & Examples

EAP for Managers: How Employee Assistance Programmes Support Leaders in the UK

Duty of care for mental health