Mental Health Awareness Week offers businesses a meaningful opportunity to not just raise awareness of mental health struggles, but to take real action as well. This year’s theme, Community, is a powerful reminder that the strength of a united group can create lasting change. Whether it’s offering support through shared experiences, fostering open conversations, or building a network of resources, community shows us that progress begins when we come together and prioritise each other’s well-being. Even small acts of connection can make a big impact.
According to the Thriving at Work report, long-term mental health conditions result in up to 300,000 people leaving their jobs each year. The impact on organisations is significant, with poor mental health at work estimated to cost employers between £33 billion and £42 billion annually. These figures are a stark reminder that mental well-being isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a pressing business concern.
The importance of community can be understood through three key aspects: belonging, support, and purpose. A community provides a sense of belonging, allowing you to feel part of something bigger while being able to express your true self. It also offers vital support, helping you navigate through challenging times that may be too difficult to face alone.
Within an organisation whether someone believes they ‘belong’ is determined by the culture of the business and the culture is driven by the directors, managers and other leaders. Directors and senior leaders must demonstrate how important it is to get a balance between working hard whilst looking after yourself. They should lead by example and set the precedent that looking after your own mental health first, means you have more to give.
Coping Strategies and Practical Tips
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple habits like exercise and journaling can help manage emotions and build resilience. Setting boundaries, whether it’s ensuring enough rest or not responding to emails in evenings, helps you stay in control and avoid burnout.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as an important reminder of the need to focus on our mental well-being. By making small, purposeful changes we can all play a part in fostering a healthier and more supportive environment. Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and build communities where everyone feels empowered to prioritise their mental health.
Everyone has a role to play, this includes in the workplace
More so than ever, there is an expectation on managers and supervisors to be the main source of support within the workplace. Over the past few years, we have increasingly seen many managers and supervisors requiring assistance in supporting and dealing with poor mental health of their workforce. Managers and supervisors need the ability to react compassionately to the struggles their team members are facing but also balance that with maintaining a productive team which can be extremely challenging. Alongside this, the pressure of being a manager has increased tenfold and therefore looking after their own mental health is crucial. Training for your managers and supervisors is vital in giving them the tools they need to lead a successful team, whilst managing their own mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are several helplines and resources available to provide support:
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) – www.samaritans.org
• Mind: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) – www.mind.org.uk
• NHS 111 – www.nhs.uk/mental-health
• YoungMinds: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4pm) – www.youngminds.org.uk
• Shout: Text 85258 (24/7) – www.giveusashout.org
For CRM HR Support clients the team is also on hand to support your managers and supervisors as well, all of our consultants are mental health first aiders, and we understand the challenges that come when trying to balance the health and wellbeing of your employees and running a successful business.
Sign up to our Mental Health Awareness course
On the 5th of June our Clear Risk Management team will be holding an online Mental Health Awareness course directed at managers and supervisors to help them support employees suffering with mental health whilst understanding how to tackle poor performance and poor absence.
For more information and to book your place, visit here.
