Mental health awareness issues impact businesses every day, and not only in the form of days lost to absence, presenteeism, and reduced productivity. MHFA England has revealed that almost 15% of working-age adults now report a long-term mental health condition in 2025
While mental health awareness has increased, workplace support has been stretched. HR teams are under pressure to keep up with mental health support in the workplace. Events like Mental Health Awareness Week are an opportunity for businesses and individual employees to reflect on their own wellbeing.
This year’s events shines the spotlight on wellbeing once more, providing an opportunity for leaders and managers to refocus their efforts and build stronger, more supportive teams.
What is mental health awareness week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is a annual campaign organised by the Mental Health Foundation between the 11th and 17th of May every year. The event encourages us all to reflect on the condition of our own mental health awareness, considering how we can support ourselves and others.
Workplace mental health – key stats
Mental health awareness and policy in the workplace is ever-changing and fluctuating. Workplace mental health statistics continue to point to a workforce struggling with various wellbeing issues which differ significantly by sector and region.
If you are reflecting on the presence of mental health awareness in your workplace, some UK statistics include:
- Employees took an average of 5.7 days off work due to poor mental health, costing businesses £17bn in 2025.
- 22.1 million working days were lost in 2025 due to stress, depression and anxiety.
- MHFA research shows that only 38% of organisation leaders in the UK talk openly about mental health.
- Employees’ desire to leave their position fell from 35% to 18% when managers were trained to have supportive mental health conversations.
- 41% of employees reported in 2025 experienced high stress during the working day.
With mental health in the spotlight and workplace wellbeing support more important than ever, how can managers ensure their approach meets the needs of their people?
Mental Health Conversations: Free webinar
Westfield Health has created several free resources to use this Mental Health Awareness Week, including a free webinar, led by workplace mental health experts. Rosie Marino, Culture and Development Manager, and Cathy Lawson, Mental Health First Aid England Instructor, discuss workplace mental health.
Further mental health events
There are several events that we can build into our business calendar, providing a an opportunity to reflect of mental health in your workplace. Mental health awareness events in the UK include:
- Time to Talk Day: 5th of February
- Stress Awareness Month: April
- Mental Health Awareness Week: 11-17th of May
- Men’s Mental Health Month: November
- Women’s Mental Health Month: May
- World Mental Health Day: 10th October
Further resources
- Westfield Health Mental Health Awareness Week resources: Including downloadable factsheets on coping with change, controlling worry and breathing techniques.
- Mental Health Foundation: Resources on all aspects of mental health with a focus on prevention.
- Mind.org: Information and advice from one of the UK’s leading mental health charities.
Comments
I really appreciated the insights on workplace wellbeing in your recent article. It’s crucial for companies to prioritize mental health, especially after the challenges we’ve faced in recent years. I believe fostering a supportive environment can significantly enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Thanks for raising awareness!