The 2026 World Mental Health Day carries the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. More than ever, HR teams are facing a complex mental health challenge, influenced by a growing list of factors both in and outside the workplace. So how can employers ensure they are equipped to respond to the everchanging mental health landscape?
Mental health needs are more nuanced than ever
It would be too simplistic to lump employees into categories or assume their preferences. Just because someone has enjoyed working from home doesn’t mean they wish to make the arrangement permanent.
Internal surveys and employee questionnaires are a good start to assessing mental health needs, but they struggle to capture the nuances of daily life for a workforce grappling with continual change and uncertainty. Our 2026 Wellbeing Survey report found that 69.2% of workers don’t receive enough mental health support from their employer. That’s almost three quarters employees asking for help. With the gap between those thriving and those struggling quietly expanding, now is the time to build a mental health strategy which truly adapts to individual circumstances.
Building a culture of openness
Colleagues may be reluctant to ask for help or be unsure what type of support would suit them best. In the past, employees may have only heard from the HR department when things are going wrong. It’s a reputation that can be hard to shake.
Build trust by fostering a culture of two-way conversation and leading by example. When asked how you are, answer honestly to enable others to do the same, especially senior leaders. Often the first way to put your mental health strategy into practice is to simply take the time to understand each other. Supportive, open communication will build confidence in your leadership team.
Some employees may respond better to peer-to-peer support. Our Mental Health First Aid courses enable employees to act as a first point of contact for mental health issues in the workplace, providing an informal channel for discussion which encourages early intervention. The courses are certified by Mental Health First Aid England and can be carried out online by groups or individuals.
Resources for your mental health strategy
This year, all eyes on wellbeing and forced the working world to reinvent itself. Various webinars, online events and support services are responding to the ever-changing challenges faced by organisations across the globe. Here are a few helpful resources to get you started:
- WHO mental health campaign
- Personnel Today webinar: Why employees don’t ask for help
- Mind.org.uk mental health at work resources
- HR Grapevine online events
- Westfield Health Wellbeing Workshops
A culture change won’t happen overnight, but proactive HR teams will uncover a healthy return on investment from open dialogue with employees. Now more than ever, we must understand our differences and build a truly flexible approach to workplace mental health.