When you think of what keeps a business running smoothly, the usual suspects come to mind: productivity, hitting targets, and keeping the bottom line healthy. But have you ever thought about the role mental health at work plays in all of this? I truly believe that great workplaces support more than just deadlines – they create environments where employees feel mentally supported, creative, and engaged. With World Mental Health Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start that conversation.
Mental Health at work is more than just a nice idea
It’s no secret that when employees feel mentally supported, everything starts working better. As a psychologist and therapist, I often meet individuals who are facing burnout or struggling with poor mental health, and it’s clear how much their work suffers as a result. When mental well-being is compromised, productivity, creativity, and even basic engagement decline. Research backs this up time and time again. RAND Europe found that investing in mental health initiatives helps reduce absenteeism and presenteeism. What does that mean? Basically, when people aren’t weighed down by mental health issues, they take fewer sick days and perform better when they are at work.
And it’s not just about productivity. Think about how much more creative and innovative your team could be if they weren’t bogged down by stress. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discovered that lowering workplace stress boosts creativity and problem-solving. When people feel good, their brains work better, and that means fresher ideas for your business.
Now, here’s something interesting: according to Deloitte, 64% of managers have thought about quitting their jobs because their mental health needs weren’t being met. This tells us that it’s not just about keeping employees happy in the short term—it’s about creating an environment where they want to stay long-term. And when people feel mentally supported at work, they’re more likely to stick around, saving you from the hassle and cost of constant hiring.
So, what’s the first step?
This doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a big budget or a brand-new wellness program to start. Sometimes, all it takes is checking in. Ask your team, “How’s your mental health holding up this week?” alongside your usual questions about deadlines. Just showing you care can create a massive shift in the workplace culture.
And don’t worry if you’re not sure how to start these conversations. Small changes can lead to big outcomes. You could encourage open conversations about mental health, offer flexible work schedules, or even introduce mental health days. It’s about creating a space where people feel okay talking about how they’re doing, not just what they’re doing.
“Great workplaces support more than just deadlines – they create environments where employees feel mentally supported, creative, and engaged”
– Michalina Andrzejewska
A message to Employees: take care of your mental health at work…
Let’s be real: work can be stressful, and sometimes it feels like mental health gets overlooked compared to everything else. But here’s the thing – your mental well-being is just as important as the tasks you’re tackling. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to speak up. Whether it’s talking to a manager or taking a mental health day, don’t ignore the signs of burnout or stress. Your best work happens when you’re in a good place mentally. On World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you really doing? It’s not just about surviving the workday; it’s about feeling really good, and bringing your best self to everything you do.
…And to Employers: what would a mentally healthy workplace look like?
Imagine a workplace where people show up as their whole selves, where mental well-being is just as important as meeting that next big deadline. What kind of positive changes could that bring? We know from the research that when mental health is prioritized, productivity improves, creativity flows, and employee loyalty strengthens. Sounds pretty good, right?
Mental health at work is good for everyone
Maybe World Mental Health Day is the perfect time to start these conversations. Ask yourself: what would it take to make your workplace a space where mental health is part of the day-to-day? As we’ve seen, prioritizing mental health at work doesn’t just lead to happier employees – it boosts productivity, creativity, and retention. So, as you think about what makes your business run smoothly, remember: great workplaces support more than just deadlines. They support the well-being of their people.
So here’s a question for you:
What if investing in mental health became your business’s greatest competitive advantage?
What would change in your workday if your mental health became a true priority?
Today is a great day to find out. Because when mental health does well, everything else follows.