Why you should make mental health a priority for your business this year, with Thrive Mental Wellbeing

Small businesses are incredible. They do a lot with a little, but when resources are stretched something has to take a back seat.

Research shows that many small businesses significantly lag behind large companies when it comes to prioritising employee mental health.¹

But it’s not for want of trying. Our customers tell us that the mental health of their employees is an area for focus in their businesses.² For busy and resource-limited small business owners, however, there is a knowledge gap in how to access and implement mental health initiatives for their staff.

As the business finance provider that backs small businesses, we felt there was something we could do to help. So we partnered with Thrive Mental Wellbeing, an innovative, full-service mental health provider trusted by the NHS, to help small business leaders and their employees get more support with their mental health.

Thrive’s expert clinical team explains why small business owners should prioritise mental health, and how our partnership can help you better support your employees.

Why is it important to prioritise mental health in the workplace

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.

What are the long-term benefits of prioritising mental health in the workplace?

 
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.

How can I help support my staff's wellbeing with Thrive?

 
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.

• Existing Funding Circle borrowers can get 12 months of Thrive access for you and your team – for free. Your unique access code will have been emailed to you – if you need us to re-send it, please get in touch.

• If you’re not a borrower, fill in a few details to get an exclusive discount code here.

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.

01/01/2025: 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.

¹ Warwick Business School, 17 July 2025: Businesses talk a good game on mental health – but half take no action
² Funding Circle, 2023: Resilience in small business and the impact of staff wellbeing