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Mental health in the workplace is crucial, with one in six UK workers facing anxiety, depression, and stress each year. According to the Charity Mind, despite this, only 6% take time off for mental health compared to 20% for physical health. The cost of mental health issues to the UK economy is staggering, but it doesn’t take complex programmes to make a difference. Small, simple steps can integrate mental health support into your team’s daily routine.

Quick Wins for Mental Health at Work:

Small changes can make a real difference.  These strategies need little time but give great returns for mental health support in work.

1. Wellbeing Check-ins: Start meetings with a quick mood check or ask how people are managing their mental health. Simple questions like “What’s one thing you’re doing to look after yourself?” foster openness.
2. Share Mental Health Resources: Use team chat channels to share helpful resources, like free apps for mindfulness or articles on managing stress. Keep these resources easily accessible for everyone.
3. Encourage Lunch Breaks: Research shows taking a proper lunch break boosts productivity. Create a culture where breaks are respected—lead by example and make it clear that stepping away from desks is encouraged.

Creating sustainable change:

Quick wins are just the start.  Changes that require some planning can also make a real difference to mental health support at work.  For example – 

Small Changes for the Week:

• ‘No Meetings’ Hour: Designate a quiet hour each week for focused work. This reduces stress and meeting fatigue.
• Positive Feedback: Foster a culture of recognition. Teams that share praise regularly are more engaged and motivated.

Monthly Initiatives:

• Wellbeing Challenge: Organise a team-wide challenge (e.g., steps, mindfulness, gratitude) to foster support and healthy habits.
• Mental Health Awareness Sessions: Host discussions or workshops to break the stigma and equip your team with practical coping strategies.

Keep the Momentum:

• Celebrate Wins: Recognise small successes to keep the focus on wellbeing and motivate your team.
• Gather Feedback: Use anonymous surveys to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and adjust as needed.
• Regular Check-ins: Make mental health a continuous priority with monthly reviews and feedback loops.

Conclusion:

Supporting mental health at work doesn’t need to be complicated or resource-heavy. Simple actions like wellbeing check-ins and lunch breaks can have a big impact. With consistency and small changes, teams can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a healthier, happier workplace.

Need support with training? If you’re looking to enhance your team’s wellbeing or need guidance on implementing these strategies, we offer tailored training options, both in-person and online. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you create a mentally healthy work environment.