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Practical Steps to Supporting Employee Mental Health at Work

  • info3686918
  • Sep 11
  • 3 min read

A group of employees having a team meeting

Did You Know: September is Suicide Prevention Month


September marks a month of awareness and education as we recognise Suicide Prevention Month. At Holla HR, we wanted to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the role workplaces can play in protecting mental health.


Mental health challenges are one of the leading causes of workplace absence — and employers have a real responsibility when it comes to caring for their people. While mental health can feel like a deeply personal issue, the workplace has a huge influence on how supported people feel day to day. Stress, pressure, and silence can weigh heavily, but with the right culture and support, employers have the power to make a real difference.


There are a number of ways Employers can support Mental Health at Work


  1. Make it part of the conversation.

Talking openly about mental health helps to break the stigma. Building this into regular team meetings or 1:1 reviews can create a safe space for employees. Leaders and managers set the tone by checking in with their people — not just on workplace progress, but on how they are really doing.


  1. Put the right policies in place

Wellbeing policies are not just a box-ticking exercise. They show your team that you take their mental health seriously and that support is available if they need it.


  1. Provide practical support

Policies and check-ins are only the first step. Employers also need to think about what happens when someone is struggling. Larger businesses may offer counselling or employee assistance programmes, but smaller organisations can still help by signposting NHS services and trusted mental health charities.


  1. Lead by example

Managers and leaders can model healthy boundaries by taking breaks, using annual leave, and not glorifying long hours. The way you look after yourself as a leader has a ripple effect across your whole workforce.

The Long Term Commitment


It’s easy to give our attention to mental health during Suicide Prevention Month or other campaigns. But the truth is, support needs to continue year-round. Keeping the conversation alive — and backing it up with real action — is what makes a lasting difference.


Supporting mental health in the workplace is not a one-off campaign. It’s an ongoing commitment to building a culture where people feel safe, respected, and cared for all year round. That means making wellbeing part of everyday practices, not just something that gets mentioned once a year.


Small, consistent actions — like checking in regularly, creating policies that reflect genuine care, and showing kindness in leadership — make the biggest difference over time.


One practical way to keep this commitment alive is by weaving wellbeing into your company calendar. For example:


  • Regular check-ins: Build mental health check-ins into monthly 1:1s or team meetings.

  • Awareness days: Mark events like World Mental Health Day (10th October), Stress Awareness Month (April), and Time to Talk Day (February) with internal campaigns or resources.

  • Quarterly wellbeing reviews: Treat wellbeing as seriously as financial or performance reviews — review policies, workload, and staff feedback every quarter.

  • Annual training: Schedule mental health awareness training for managers and staff as a fixed part of your learning and development calendar.


Resources and Help


Firstly, we hope that individuals have trusted support networks around them to reach out to. In the absence of that, we think it’s really important that people know there is other help out there too. When many people think about “getting help,” their mind goes straight to traditional therapy or counselling — which can feel overwhelming, especially in a moment of crisis. But support doesn’t always have to look like that. You can speak to someone over the phone, or even send a text from the comfort of your own home if anything else feels too much.


If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone. Support is available:


  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

  • Mind: 0300 123 3393

  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 crisis text line)

  • NHS urgent mental health helpline: Find your local service on the NHS website.



Final Thoughts: September is Suicide Prevention Month


September reminds us of the most extreme struggle with mental health: suicidal thoughts. But the reality is, more of our colleagues, friends, and family members have faced these feelings than we may ever realise. Suicide is a global crisis — and the more we look out for one another, the stronger we become.


Let’s keep the conversation going, not just this month, but every month. 💜💚



 
 
 

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