good workplace wellbeing
Prioritising workplace wellbeing is crucial for boosting productivity, reducing absenteeism and retaining top talent. It also promotes a positive workplace culture, leading to better team dynamics and a positive organisational reputation.
The workplace environment affects our wellbeing, which refers to an individual’s overall health, happiness and success. It includes physical, mental and emotional health and social and economic factors contributing to a fulfilling life. In Scotland, having a meaningful job is one of the most important factors in supporting good mental health.
A recent survey from Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 95% of employees say their mental health affects how well they do their job. Poor mental health can lead to:
- At work: More sick days (absenteeism), working while unwell (presenteeism) and lower performance
- Personally: Burnout, loneliness and trouble focusing.
Common myths about workplace wellbeing
wellbeing is one-dimensional
Wellbeing is a multidimensional concept that includes not only physical health, but also mental, emotional, social and even spiritual wellbeing. In addition, workplace culture, stability, trust and strong leadership all play a significant role in shaping wellbeing. Adapting a holistic approach is essential for supporting a thriving workforce.
longer hours equals more productivity
Long working hours can reduce productivity, increase stress and cause burnout.
Quality work and a healthy work-life balance are more conducive to productivity and wellbeing.
mental wellbeing training is costly and just ticks a box
While most employers perceive mental health training as an expensive investment, Deloitte’s analysis revealed that employers receive an average return of £4.70 for every £1 invested in workplace mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
What is the impact of poor mental health on organisations?
When we talk about mental health at work, we often think about taking time off (absenteeism), but there’s another side to the story that’s much less visible: presenteeism. This occurs when people showing up to work when they’re not well enough to be there.
Another growing issue is leaveism, where employees work during their time off or outside of their normal hours. It might seem like dedication, but over time, it takes a real toll on health, focus and productivity.
A government-backed review put the collective cost to UK employers at £33–£42 billion each year. That breaks down to:
- £8 billion from people taking time off (absenteeism)
- £17–£26 billion from people working while unwell (presenteeism)
- £8 billion from people leaving jobs due to mental health struggles (staff turnover).
What are the benefits of a healthy workplace?
Increasing employee productivity
When employees are mentally well, they are more focused, motivated and productive. They can perform their tasks more efficiently, resulting in better organisational outcomes.
Reduced absenteeism
Good mental health reduces the likelihood of employees taking sick days due to stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. This leads to fewer disruptions in workflow and better overall attendance.
Elevated employee engagement
Employees with good mental wellbeing are more engaged. They are emotionally committed to their roles and the organisation, positively impacting job performance and satisfaction.
Attracting top talent
Companies known for their commitment to employee mental wellbeing are more attractive to potential hires. This can give them a competitive edge in recruiting the best talent in the industry.
Employee retention
Organisations prioritising mental wellbeing tend to have higher employee retention. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that supports their mental health needs, reducing recruitment and training costs.
Improved team dynamics
A workplace that values mental wellbeing fosters empathy and understanding among colleagues and creates a positive and supportive environment. Employees collaborate and communicate better, leading to improved team dynamics and creativity.
Promoting good workplace wellbeing
Speak up
Promote an environment where employees feel safe discussing mental health concerns. Encourage open dialogue through regular team meetings that address mental health topics such as depression and stress.
Offer resources and adjustments
Ensure easy access to mental health resources, such as counselling services and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling services, helplines or workshops. Offer reasonable adjustments were necessary. Educate employees about the available resources and how to utilise them, such as offering training.
Set boundaries
Discourage a culture of overworking and promote setting boundaries between work and personal life. Respect employees’ time outside of work hours and encourage recharge using vacation time or mental wellbeing days.
Be flexible with employees
Implement flexible work arrangements to accommodate employees’ needs. This could include options for remote work, flexible hours or compressed workweeks. Allow employees to adjust their work hours for personal appointments. Focus on the results of work, not the hours.
Foster positivity
Foster a positive, inclusive work culture where appreciation, recognition and kindness are valued. Celebrate achievements and milestones to boost morale.
Encourage learning and development
Support continuous learning and professional growth, allowing employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. A sense of purpose, progress and accomplishment positively impacts mental wellbeing.
Encourage physical activity
Promote regular physical exercise by providing incentives, organising group workouts or incorporating physical activities into the workday. Physical activity has proven to have a positive impact on mental health.
Check-up regularly
Schedule one-on-one check-ins between managers and employees. Encourage managers to ask about employees’ mental and physical wellbeing during these conversations.
Mental health training
At Change Mental Health, we offer a variety of mental health workplace training, which can help you build a more mentally healthy workforce and equip managers with the necessary skills to respond to mental health issues in the workplace.
Mental Health Essentials
Whether you just started a job, manage people or are in leadership positions, knowing how to take care of your own wellbeing in the workplace is crucial. Our bite-size courses, covering Mental Health and Menopause, Building Resilience in the Workplace, Avoiding Burnout & Finding Balance, and more, can help you to discover practical strategies, exploring coping methods and embrace self-care to thrive in any challenge. Commit to positive actions and transform your professional life with confidence and strength.
People First Leadership
Managers play a crucial role in promoting mental wellbeing in their teams. This half-day interactive training equips managers with practical tools to lead mentally healthy teams. People First Leadership covers mental health awareness, communication, resilience and burnout prevention, combining real scenarios and hands-on exercises to build confidence, support wellbeing and promotes inclusive, high-performing teams.
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA)
You might consider training managers or some employees as certified Mental Health First Aiders. Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training is designed to help individuals recognise and respond to mental health challenges in others. The Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course, developed by Public Health Scotland, has specific learning objectives that focus on awareness, intervention and support.
resources
Reasonable adjustments
If you want to learn more about reasonable adjustments at work, Rethink Mental Illness has a useful guide to rights at work for people living with mental illness. You can also read more about reasonable adjustments on the UK Government website.
Promoting mental health in the workplace
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) has created a range of free resources to help promote mental health in the workplace.
These resources include advice, information and templates that can be used to encourage conversation about mental health. This can allow people to stay well at work and support those who experience stress and mental health issues.
contact
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
