How confident do you feel talking to your staff about mental health?

Conversations around mental health are becoming a common feature of many workplaces. Managers, however, are not always trained or equipped with the right tools to approach these discussions with confidence. With the HSE’s 2024/5 figures highlighting that over half of all work-related ill health in the UK was due to stress, depression and anxiety, the focus on fostering a supportive workplace is becoming much more prevalent.

Why mental health conversations matter

By taking mental health in the workplace seriously, we can foster a positive and supportive culture, in which people feel comfortable having open conversations with colleagues. Reducing the stigma around mental health in this way provides a supportive workplace that signposts access to help.

22.1 million working days were lost in 2024/5 due to mental ill-health, with workers affected by stress, anxiety and depression. As part of World Mental Health Day, Kayleigh Roberts, the HSE’s Work-related Stress Policy Lead stated:

We regularly hear from businesses struggling with rising absence, falling performance, and high staff turnover – often caused by preventable stress at work.

The HSE campaign ‘Working Minds’ addresses stress and mental health as a critical focus area for organisations. It encourages employers to build a structured and comfortable conversations about mental health using the 5Rs framework: Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and Make it Routine. By following this framework, organisations can help helps managers approach mental health proactively rather than reactively.

Building confidence through mental health first aid training

To support the 5Rs framework, providing mental health awareness or first aid training become valuable considerations for all employers. Mental health first aid training equips staff with the skills to notice early signs of mental ill-health, provide a supportive work culture to have conversations about mental health struggles, and to signpost colleagues to professional help.

With the ongoing HSE focus on stress and mental health support, being practice in the support your workplace provides helps to reduce stigma and fosters a positive, supportive workplace culture.

Fostering a positive mental health culture

As with physical safety, embedding conversations about mental health into the everyday work environment is critical. Simple steps such as checking in regularly with staff, reviewing workloads or working patterns, and using HSE’s Talking Toolkit can be the first step to making a positive difference.

By combining the HSE’s resources with dedicated mental health awareness or first aid training, employers can build their confidence, managers’ confidence and employees’ confidence. Discussing mental health at work creates a supportive environment where all workers feel more confident and open.

To arrange mental health first aid or awareness training, reach out to us on 01509 550 023 or at enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk