Mental health & wellbeing
Reed is committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, helping employers create environments where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. As awareness of mental health continues to grow, professionals are increasingly prioritising wellbeing when choosing where to work. Our hub offers guidance to help you nurture and promote a resilient workforce.
Mental health has become a central focus in today’s workplace, with employers recognising the vital role it plays in employee satisfaction, retention, and performance. It’s no longer enough to offer surface-level support - professionals now seek out organisations that demonstrate a genuine, ongoing commitment to wellbeing.
Forward-thinking leaders are creating open, empathetic cultures where people feel safe to speak up, ask for help, and bring their whole selves to work. When employees feel supported, they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with their employer long term.
A workplace that prioritises mental health also increases resilience, reduces burnout, and builds trust across teams. It helps break down stigma, encouraging open conversations and early intervention when challenges arise.
At Reed, we believe that mental wellbeing should be embedded in every aspect of working life. We’re proud to support employers and jobseekers alike in building healthier, more compassionate workplaces - because when people feel well, they do well.
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Mental health at work FAQs
Workplace mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of employees within their work environment. It plays a crucial role in how individuals perform their jobs, interact with colleagues, and manage stress. When mental health is prioritised at work, it can lead to increased productivity, greater employee satisfaction, and lower rates of absenteeism. On the other hand, neglecting mental health can result in burnout, high staff turnover, and a decline in overall organisational performance. Supporting mental wellbeing is not only beneficial for individuals but also essential for building a resilient and thriving workplace culture.
Improving mental health at work involves creating an environment where employees feel safe, supported, and valued. This can be achieved by encouraging open conversations about mental health and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
Employers should provide training for managers to help them recognise signs of mental ill-health and respond with empathy. Offering flexible working arrangements, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and ensuring workloads are manageable can also make a significant difference. Additionally, providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), helps employees feel supported and empowered to take care of their wellbeing.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work. Employees experiencing burnout may feel constantly tired, even after rest, and may struggle with sleep. They might become disengaged with their work, find it difficult to concentrate, or you may notice a drop in their performance.
Emotional signs can include irritability, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness. Burnout can also lead to increased absenteeism or presenteeism, where employees are physically present, despite being unwell, and therefore not fully functioning. Recognising these signs early is essential, as well as providing the right support to prevent long-term consequences.
Most employees will have access to a variety of mental health resources designed to support their wellbeing. Resources such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which provide confidential counselling and support services, are common among employers. Some other common mental health resources that employers offer are mental health first aiders, workshops, webinars and wellbeing initiatives, flexible working hours to improve work-life balance, private wellbeing rooms, mental health days, and health insurance plans.
Speak to your employer to find out what employee benefits are available to you. Alternatively, you can contact SANEline - a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
Open between 4pm and 10pm, 365 days a year. Call 0300 304 7000.
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