Some days, work flows. Other days, it’s back-to-back meetings, 94 unread emails, and a brain that’s buzzing before the second coffee’s even kicked in. It’s in those moments – the stretched-thin, slightly-over-it ones – that mental health matters most.
Because mental health at work isn’t a side conversation. It’s the foundation of how people show up, stay motivated, and actually enjoy what they do.
The good news? Supporting it doesn’t require a huge budget or complicated programmes. Often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference – a kind check-in, a moment of recognition, or even a gift that says: you’re seen, and you matter.
In this guide, we’re diving into:
- Why mental health at work really matters
- Practical ways to support your team (without needing a huge HR team)
- And how simple, thoughtful gestures can build a culture where people truly feel cared for
Let’s create workplaces that don’t just function but actually feel good to be part of.
Some Facts and Figures You Can’t Ignore
Good mental health is the thing that keeps teams running. And right now, the numbers are hard to ignore:
- 1 in 6 employees in the UK is dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress right now.
- In 2022/23, stress, depression and anxiety made up 49% of all work-related ill health. That’s nearly half of workplace sickness.
- Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £51 billion a year. With presenteeism (turning up but running on empty) making up more than half of that figure.
- Employees who feel supported are twice as likely to stay loyal to their company. Those who don’t? They’re already browsing job ads.
- Younger workers are the most likely to report mental health struggles, showing just how important open, supportive cultures have become.
What Mental Health at Work Really Means
When we talk about mental health at work, it’s not about ticking a box or adding a shiny
“wellbeing” line to the company values page. It’s about how people actually feel when they
log on each morning.
It’s also not all about mental health training – do they feel safe sharing if they’re
struggling? Do they feel trusted enough to take a proper break without guilt? Do they believe their managers care about them as people, not just outputs?
Healthy workplaces don’t rely on gimmicks. They’re built on trust, kindness, and consistency.
When people feel psychologically safe, they don’t just get through the day. They bring their creativity, energy, and loyalty with them. And that’s good news for everyone, from the Monday morning meeting to the year-end review.
Small Actions to Support Mental Health at Work
Here’s where things get interesting. Supporting mental health doesn’t need to be a grand
campaign. It’s the quirky, thoughtful touches that people actually remember.
Instead of the usual “mindfulness app subscription,” try:
- Meeting-free mornings once a month. Not just a break from Zoom, but a chance for people to actually think without interruption.
- A ‘switch-off signal’ at the end of the day. Encourage teams to set a fun, collective cue (like a shared playlist or Slack emoji) that says, “work’s done, go live your life.”
- The five-minute kindness rule. Challenge staff to spend five minutes each week doing something thoughtful for a colleague, from a handwritten note to covering their least-loved task.
- Silent working hours. One afternoon a week where no one’s expected to answer messages instantly, giving brains space to focus.
- Seasonal surprise breaks. Let teams finish early on a sunny Friday or bring in warm pastries on a rainy Monday.
It’s the little curveballs that can change the mood. These aren’t big-ticket programmes, but they build connection, reduce stress, and remind people they’re seen. And when that happens, mental health support feels less like a policy and more like a culture.
Thoughtful Gestures That Go Further
Sometimes, the best way to support mental health at work is to step away from spreadsheets and emails and remind people they’re human first, employees second.
Take gifting, for example. Not the generic pen set or branded mug that gathers dust, but
something that genuinely encourages rest, calm, and a little self-care. That’s why we do what we do.
Each of our wellbeing gifts is packed with carefully chosen treats designed to help people slow down. Think calming teas, aromatherapy, candles, meditation aids, and even journals for mindful
reflection. They’re a way to say, “We value you,” while also giving back, because every box
includes a donation to mental health charity Mind.
It’s proof that thoughtful gestures don’t just brighten someone’s desk; they ripple out into
something much bigger.
Build a Culture That Lasts
Mental health at work isn’t a one-day campaign or a once-a-year initiative. It’s a culture. And
culture is shaped by what happens every day, not just what’s written in the company handbook.
That means consistency matters. It’s no good promoting wellbeing on World Mental Health
Day if staff are drowning in emails at 10pm the following week. True support shows up in the
everyday moments: leaders modelling healthy boundaries, managers checking in without an
agenda, and teams celebrating the small wins as much as the big ones.
As time goes on, these actions create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up,
supported when life gets tough, and encouraged to look after themselves.
Pair that with thoughtful gestures, like a WellBox gift that reminds someone to pause and
recharge, and you’ve got the foundations of a culture that lasts.
