In a region as dynamic and fast-paced as the South East, and in cities like Milton Keynes where innovation and growth are part of the local DNA, the conversation around mental health at work is more important than ever.
To better understand the current landscape, we partnered with independent mental health charity SANE to bring awareness and shed light on mental health in the workplace. As part of this collaboration, we conducted a OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK employed adults in April 2025.
One of the most striking insights is that fewer than half of respondents in the South East (46%) feel comfortable discussing their mental health at work. In environments where performance is prized and pressure is high; it seems that many employees still feel that admitting to mental health struggles could be seen as a weakness or a liability.
This fear of judgement is reflected in how people manage their time off. Nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed said they had taken time off due to mental health reasons, yet 40% of people chose not to disclose the real reason for their absence. This lack of openness not only highlights the stigma that persists in workplaces but also underscores the importance of how employers respond when mental health issues do come to light.
Our results show that just over half of respondents (51%) felt their employer was supportive when they took time off for mental health reasons. But for the rest, the experience was far from positive.
Upon returning to work, some were micromanaged (38%), others criticised rather than encouraged (38%), and many said their employers failed to offer even basic flexibility, such as easing deadlines or allowing for more frequent breaks (44%).
The pressures behind poor mental health
When it comes to the causes of poor mental health at work, work-life balance emerged as the most common factor, cited by 40% of respondents in the South East. Close behind were heavy workloads (39%) and feeling undervalued (33%).
Burnout, unsurprisingly, is also widespread. An overwhelming 82% of people reported experiencing symptoms of burnout, with more than one in five (21%) saying they feel this way often or all the time. This level of chronic stress is unsustainable, both for individuals and for the organisations that rely on them.
Tackling the mental health crisis
When it comes to support, there is some good news. Many employers offer mental health resources, with employee assistance programmes (EAPs) being the most common. However, 14% of respondents said they weren’t even sure what their employer offers, highlighting a significant communication gap. In fact, more than a third (36%) of employees said they want clearer, more consistent communication about the mental health support available to them.
Just over a third (34%) said they want their managers to receive training in mental health awareness, and the same proportion said they would benefit from more flexible working arrangements. These are not just “nice to haves”, they are essential tools for building a resilient, supportive workplace culture.
Perhaps the most sobering finding is that 28% of people said they have felt discriminated against or stigmatised at work because of their mental health. This is a stark reminder that, despite progress, many workplaces still fall short of being truly inclusive and supportive environments.
The path forward…
So, what can be done? For employers, the path forward starts with listening. Employees are asking for flexibility, empathy, and transparency. They want to feel safe speaking up, and they want to know that their wellbeing is genuinely valued. This means training managers to lead with compassion, embedding mental health into everyday conversations, and ensuring that support is not just available, but visible and accessible.
For employees, the challenge is often about knowing your rights, using the support that exists, and advocating for a culture where mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health. It’s also about recognising that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward sustainability and growth.
Milton Keynes, with its reputation for innovation and forward-thinking, has a unique opportunity to lead the way. By embracing a more open, supportive approach to mental health, businesses here can set a new standard, not just for the South East, but also for the UK as a whole.
Looking for further mental health and wellbeing advice? Take a look at our mental health and wellbeing hub for further guidance.
