10 Tips to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace and Office in 2025

10 Tips to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace and Office in 2025

In today’s fast-paced work environments, poor mental health and wellbeing can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. An estimated 15% of UK workers live with a mental health condition, and 28% of all UK sick days are attributed to poor mental health. Creating a supportive, healthy work culture is therefore essential for both individual and organisational success. In this blog, we share 10 practical tips to foster mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, helping to boost morale, enhance collaboration, and maintain a positive, thriving office atmosphere.

What are the Signs of Poor Mental Health in the Workplace?

The signs of poor mental health at work are not always obvious, but there are common indicators to be aware of. Employees may display uncharacteristic behaviour, show low levels of engagement, or experience a noticeable drop in productivity. Other signs include changes in sleeping or eating habits, disinterest in work or daily activities, and increased absenteeism. You might also notice changes in working patterns, withdrawal from social interactions, or signs of stress and anxiety. Being able to recognise these symptoms early on is key to offering support and fostering a healthier workplace.

Source: Champion Health

Can Remote or Hybrid Working Affect Mental Health Differently Than Office-Based Work?

Yes, remote or hybrid working can affect mental health differently than office-based work. While remote work offers flexibility and better work-life balance, it can also lead to loneliness and isolation, which have a significant impact on mental health. Without regular face-to-face interactions, employees may miss out on the social connections that naturally occur in the office. For those working in a hybrid model, it’s important to actively connect with colleagues through regular check-ins, video calls, or team meetings to maintain a sense of connection and support. Balancing flexibility with social interaction is key to staying mentally healthy.

Source: Mind

Top 10 Tips to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace and Office:

1. Promote Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for reducing stress and preventing burnout, which benefits both mental and physical health. By managing workloads and avoiding constant pressure, employees can improve their mental wellbeing, while also preventing physical issues like chronic pain, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Offering flexible hours, encouraging regular breaks, and supporting remote work options can help employees feel more in control of their time, leading to better overall wellbeing and increased productivity.

Source: A Mission For Michael

2. Foster Open Communication

Encouraging open communication about mental health is key to creating a supportive work environment, yet many workplaces still view these discussions as risky rather than a healthy and normal practice. This stigma can prevent employees from accessing the support they need, leading to unaddressed stress and mental health issues. By fostering a culture where employees feel safe discussing their mental health, and offering regular check-ins and resources, employers can reduce stigma, ensure employees feel supported, and create a healthier, more open workplace.

Source: Forbes

3. Offer Mental Health Training

Providing mental health training for managers and employees is crucial for fostering a supportive workplace. A survey showed that 29% of managers felt more training would help them to better support their teams. Hiring a professional mental health speaker to deliver talks or workshops can equip managers with the skills to recognise early signs of stress or burnout, ensuring mental health issues are addressed promptly and creating a healthier work environment.

For example, Ruby Wax provides insightful strategies to improve workplace wellbeing and emotional resilience. She focuses on teaching business leaders how to recognise symptoms of burnout in their staff, and supplies techniques for improving workplace wellbeing.

4. Create a Supportive Physical Workspace

A well-designed workspace plays a vital role in supporting employee mental health. Factors like lighting, layout, and temperature can significantly impact how employees feel at work. Bright, open spaces with access to natural light and fresh air help reduce stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere. In offices with limited natural light, incorporating plants and natural colours can have a calming effect. Flexible, open-plan layouts promote social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation, while poor temperature control and uncomfortable furniture can lead to discomfort and stress. Offering employees control over their workspace design and allowing personal touches can enhance job satisfaction and boost wellbeing.

Source: Clover HR

5. Encourage Physical Activity

Regular exercise boosts feel-good hormones and helps maintain a positive mood. Encouraging employees to stay active through gym memberships, wellness challenges, or breaks for walks can significantly improve mental wellbeing. Research shows that regular exercise can be more effective than antidepressants for some people with mild depression, making it an essential part of a healthy workplace routine.

Source: NHS

6. Recognise & Reward Achievements

Recognising employee achievements boosts motivation, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing. Regular rewards, like bonuses, public recognition, or extra time off, reduce stress and help employees feel appreciated. Acknowledging contributions through shout-outs in team meetings or personalised thank-you notes strengthens team bonds and fosters a supportive environment. Tailored and timely recognition, combined with a fair reward system, ensures employees feel valued and motivated.

Source: Tower Trophies

7. Develop Clear Career Progression Paths

Creating clear career progression paths is vital for improving mental health and wellbeing at work. When employees see opportunities for growth and feel supported in their development, they experience increased job satisfaction and engagement. This sense of purpose can boost morale and contribute to a positive work environment. Providing professional development, mentorship, and clear advancement opportunities helps employees stay motivated and enthusiastic about their roles, reducing feelings of stagnation and fostering long-term mental resilience.

Source: Sanctus

8. Support Workload Management

With 65% of employees citing heavy workloads as their biggest source of stress, effective workload management is essential. Ensuring tasks are balanced, deadlines are realistic, and regular breaks are encouraged helps reduce stress. Supporting employees in managing their workloads promotes a healthier, more positive work environment.

Speakers such as Samantha Clarke often give talks on empowering employees to handle adversity and workload effectively, encouraging them to focus on happiness.

9. Promote Social Connections

Fostering social connections in the workplace is essential for improving mental health and overall wellbeing. Research shows that strong social ties can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, both of which have negative impacts on mental health. Encouraging team-building activities, casual interactions, and a culture of collaboration helps employees feel more connected and supported. Promoting social connectedness at work leads to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and better physical and emotional health outcomes.

Source: CDC

10. Hire a Mental Health Speaker

Hiring a mental health speaker is an excellent way to improve workplace wellbeing by raising awareness and encouraging open discussions about mental health. Expert speakers provide valuable insights, practical tools, and strategies for managing stress and building resilience. This promotes a culture of support and understanding, reducing stigma and empowering employees to prioritise their mental health, which benefits both individual wellbeing and overall workplace productivity.

Who are the Top 5 Mental Health & Wellbeing Keynote Speakers?

1. Dr Alex George

2. Jonny Wilkinson

3. Owen O’Kane

4. Katherine Baldwin

5. Charlie Webster

Looking for an inspiring workplace wellbeing keynote speaker? Get in touch with The Mental Health Speakers Agency today! Our expert speakers can help transform your team’s approach to mental health. Reach out by filling in our online contact form or give one of our friendly booking agents a call at 0203 9816 296—we’re here to help!

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