Leading workplace wellbeing on World Mental Health Day
3.5 mins ·
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World Mental Health Day is more than a symbolic date; it’s an opportunity to pause for thought and reassess how we support mental wellbeing in the workplace. For employers, it’s a moment to reflect on how workplace culture, policy and innovation can unite to support the evolving employee needs of today’s workforce.
Unum UK’s latest research reveals that one-third of surveyed employees experienced mental health difficulties in 2024 - equivalent to 10 million people. A quarter reported a deterioration in their mental wellbeing over the year. These figures reflect a workforce under strain, facing a mix of physical, emotional and financial pressures. They also highlight the urgency for employers to offer support that is proactive, inclusive and accessible.
The foundation of any effective mental health strategy is workplace culture. Employees spend more time with colleagues than family over a lifetime, and the environment we create directly impacts their wellbeing. This isn’t about offering perks or ticking boxes - it’s about embedding mental health into the DNA of the business.
Some employers are beginning to shift toward more personalised wellbeing strategies that empower employees to choose the support that suits them best, including tailored coaching such as mindfulness and stress management workshops.
HR professionals have a valuable role to play in supporting managers and giving them the confidence to handle conversations around mental health. With the right training, managers can not only recognise when someone may be struggling but also know how to signpost employees to appropriate resources and professional help. This capability is increasingly important as businesses look to create environments where wellbeing is understood and supported at every level.
Technology is also reshaping how we deliver mental health support. The future lies in personalised, preventative solutions - tools that help employees manage issues before they escalate.
"One in five employees identify as part of the ‘sandwich generation’ - juggling careers with caregiving responsibilities. This dual burden doesn’t just affect their personal lives, it can make a significant impact on performance, engagement and retention at work."
HR Director, Unum UK
Mental health at work
If businesses are serious about building inclusive and resilient cultures, then mental health initiatives should evolve to go beyond the individual and offer meaningful support to the families who shape - and sustain - the wellbeing of our workforce.
In recognition of this, Unum UK has expanded its Help@hand wellbeing app to include a new Health Network area, which offers access to tailored resources for working parents and carers, including a parental support toolkit, expert guidance through a dedicated helpline, and practical information to help navigate the challenges of caregiving alongside professional responsibilities.
This support is strengthened through a partnership with YoungMinds, the mental health charity for children and young people. By integrating YoungMinds parent and carer guides into Help@hand, employees can gain access to specialist advice and tools that reflect the complexity of their roles both at work and at home.
These developments are part of a broader shift toward more inclusive and preventative approaches to mental health - ones that recognise the full spectrum of employee experience. The next era of mental health support will be defined by culture, personalisation, early intervention and digital innovation. Employers who embrace these strategies now will be well placed to build happy, healthy and productive workforces in the future.
On World Mental Health Day, let’s move beyond awareness, and take action to create workplaces where every employee feels valued and empowered to thrive.
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Explore Help@hand Register for Help@handHelp@hand (the ‘Services’) are provided to Unum Limited (“Unum”) customers by third-party specialist providers chosen by Unum. Unum is not the provider of the Services. The Services are entirely separate from the insurance policy provided by Unum. Access to the Services is facilitated by Unum at no cost to the Unum customer, and Unum may change or withdraw access to the Services at any time. Use of the Services are subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant third-party specialist providers. Services are available to UK residents only. For further information, please go to unum.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/services.