Updated: 13 January 2025
In today’s demanding work environment, it’s easy for mental health to take a backseat as we focus on meeting deadlines, achieving targets and managing daily pressures. However, neglecting our mental health can have long-term consequences for both individuals and business.
We know business leaders are looking to further support their employees’ mental health. And so we partnered with Thrive Mental Wellbeing, an innovative, full-service mental health provider trusted by the NHS. Through this partnership we are able to offer our customers free access to mental health support, via the Thrive app, for themselves and their employees.
Here, we speak to Thrive’s expert clinical team, who share their insights on how employers can take simple yet effective steps to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace.
Whether you’re looking to better manage your own mental health or support a colleague, this conversation offers actionable tips and strategies to help foster a more mindful and supportive work environment.
Mental health directly impacts employee wellbeing, productivity and overall job satisfaction. When mental health is neglected, it can lead to burnout, absenteeism, reduced performance and even physical health issues.
Employees who feel supported are more engaged and better equipped to handle challenges. Fostering a mentally healthy workplace not only reduces stress and anxiety but can also promote a culture of trust, openness and collaboration, which are vital for long-term success.
There are several signs that someone’s mental health may be affected by their work. These can include (but are not limited to):
It’s important for both employers and employees to recognise these signs early on and take steps to address them before they worsen.
By setting boundaries and advocating for your needs, you create a healthier work-life balance, which ultimately benefits both you and your workplace.
Employees who feel confident about managing their workload are less susceptible to burnout. So it’s essential that employees feel they can have open and honest discussions with their managers.
Initiate conversations aiming to explore their feelings and if there is any specific issue or/and situation that is troubling them.
Provide a safe, confidential, and empathetic space in which they can open up and disclose any concern. This can be a significant relief for employees struggling with their mental health.
Schedule regular check-in meetings to discuss any concerns regarding workload, deadlines or specific parts of work that are connected to a feeling of overwhelm.
Remind everyone of the available resources or support systems and encourage them to seek further professional help if needed.
Benefits extend beyond immediate wellbeing and productivity to the development of a healthier, more sustainable and engaged workforce.
Improved emotional resilience
When we develop better emotional coping mechanisms, it reduces the likelihood of burnout, anxiety, and depression.
In turn, this promotes long-term emotional stability and life satisfaction, improving both personal and professional experiences.
Better work-life balance
Mental health initiatives, such as flexible work schedules or remote work options, enable us to create a better work-life balance, leading to increased personal fulfilment and wellbeing outside of work.
This also makes employees feel like they are being heard, cared about and treated as human beings as opposed to just ‘employees’.
Enhanced productivity
Prioritising mental health in the workplace allows people to focus better, solve problems more effectively and engage in more creative thinking. This sustained cognitive function leads to greater long-term productivity and job performance.
Individuals who feel supported in terms of their mental health tend to be more engaged in their work, leading to higher motivation and commitment over time.
Less stress and lower burnout rates
Organisations that prioritise mental health within the workplace have seen a reduction in stress that can lead to burnout and taking time off work.
Employees who feel supported are more likely to manage stress effectively, resulting in lower long-term exhaustion and absenteeism.
Improved career growth and job satisfaction
A mentally healthy workplace is an environment where individuals can focus on personal growth, skill development and career advancement. The absence of constant mental health struggles allows employees to pursue their long-term professional goals.
People who feel valued and supported are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction and a sense of purpose, leading to long-term loyalty. As a result resignations are minimised and less time and resources are used on hiring replacements.
There are still stigmas associated with mental health, and some employees may be worried about their job security if they reach out for help at work.
Tackling those stigmas not only promotes healthy communication but also breaks down negative barriers that may often negatively impact business efficacy.
You can help by implementing a wellness program, displaying mental health awareness and outsourcing tailored support to professionals. These measures let employees know they are not alone and that additional help is available.
All small businesses in the UK can benefit from our partnership from Thrive. You don’t need to be a Funding Circle customer. Click here to find out more.
From meditation and deep muscle relaxation to cognitive behavioural therapy and mood journals, we believe every small business will find valuable, convenient and affordable mental health support through the Thrive app.
10/01/25: Funding Circle partners with Thrive Therapeutic Software Ltd (“Thrive”) to offer Thrive’s mental healthcare services (“Services”) to Funding Circle customers. By signing up to the Services, you will enter into a direct relationship with Thrive. You will need to comply with any of Thrive’s terms and conditions and accept these terms entirely at your own risk.
Under the agreed arrangement for the Funding Circle, Thrive is limited to one person access per Thrive account. You must not allow multiple users to access your account. Funding Circle has no authority or ability to negotiate or vary the Services or Thrive’s terms or enter into any contract on behalf of Thrive. Thrive may decline to provide Services to you entirely at its own discretion and is under no obligation to enter into a contract with you or any other form of relationship or correspondence with you.
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