April marks Stress Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to address a growing workplace crisis: mental health.
Stress, anxiety, and burnout are reaching record highs, and businesses can no longer afford to ignore the issue.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to PwC, one in ten workers is actively considering leaving their job due to mental health struggles. Among younger employees, the figures are even more alarming—42% of 18-24-year-olds have already quit a job for mental health reasons, and 58% believe their employer could have done more to support them.
If organisations fail to act, they risk losing valuable talent, seeing productivity plummet, and damaging their reputation. The message is clear: prioritising mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business necessity.
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue; it has direct consequences for businesses. Poor mental health is one of the leading causes of long-term sickness, with stress, anxiety, and burnout keeping employees out of work for extended periods.
In fact, one in five workers needed time off last year due to stress-related mental health struggles—a figure that remains unchanged from the previous year.
Ignoring mental health leads to:
On the other hand, companies that genuinely invest in employee wellbeing see measurable benefits. A workforce that feels supported is not just happier—it’s more engaged, productive, and resilient.
A strong mental health strategy requires more than a generic Employee Assistance Programme. It needs leadership buy-in, cultural change, and real action. Here’s how businesses can make a difference:
Many employees still hesitate to speak up about mental health due to stigma. Leaders should normalise these conversations, share their own experiences where appropriate, and create an environment where employees feel safe to talk about their struggles.
Encouraging open discussions can help reduce the fear of judgement and foster a more supportive workplace.
Managers are on the front lines when it comes to employee wellbeing. Equip them with the training to spot early warning signs, provide support, and direct employees to available resources. A well-trained leadership team can make a significant difference in preventing issues from escalating.
Regular one-on-one check-ins between managers and employees also help to catch issues early. These conversations should focus on overall wellbeing, not just performance, and create a space where employees feel heard and supported.
Long hours, unrealistic workloads, and lack of flexibility are major stressors that contribute to burnout. Businesses should champion:
When employees have a healthier work-life balance, they are more engaged and perform better.
Support shouldn’t just be available—it should be visible, accessible, and actively encouraged. Businesses should provide:
More importantly, leaders should actively promote these resources to ensure employees feel comfortable using them.
The physical environment has a big impact on mental wellbeing. Offices should incorporate:
Small changes in the workplace can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing.
Investing in mental health isn’t just ethical—it’s financially smart. Research shows that for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, businesses see an average return of £4.70 in increased productivity.
The cost of ignoring mental health is staggering: poor mental health costs UK employers £51bn per year due to sick leave, disengagement, and high turnover. Companies that fail to take action will face long-term consequences—not just in lost revenue, but in diminished innovation and reputational harm.
Additionally, businesses that actively support mental health see:
Prioritising mental health in the workplace isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Employees are the heart of any organisation, and their wellbeing directly impacts performance, retention, and overall success.
This Stress Awareness Month, let’s go beyond conversations and take real action. Businesses that invest in mental health won’t just build a happier workforce—they’ll create a more sustainable, resilient, and successful future.
SmartPA leads the transformation of admin and business support services through technology and education, while our mission is to unleash potential by supporting young people and women to become business role models for future generations. Powered by a global team of passionate and accredited SmartPAs, we accelerate the success of over 5,000 businesses worldwide, delivering impactful outsourced support that allows organisations to focus on what they do best. With a Centre of Excellence in the UK, near shore hubs in South Africa and Uganda, and an offshore hub in Malaysia, we are dedicated to making a difference.
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