Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Strengthening community in the workplace
Every year, Mental Health Awareness Week (12th-18th May) presents a vital opportunity for individuals, organisations and communities to come together to shine a light on an issue that affects us all: mental health. This year, the theme is ‘Community’ – a timely and powerful reminder that the connections we build and nurture with others play a crucial role in supporting our wellbeing, particularly in the workplace.
At Medigold Health, we understand that mental health is shaped by our relationships, our environment and our daily experiences.
With most of us spending a third of our lives at work, it’s crucial that our workplaces are as positive and supportive as possible.
Current mental health in the UK
According to recent figures from Mind, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health condition each year. Anxiety and depression remain the most common conditions, with stress being one of the key contributors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also reports that over 17 million working days were lost in 2023 due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
These shocking figures reflect the real and urgent need for businesses to prioritise stress management, mental health support and holistic wellbeing strategies that help employees feel seen, safe and valued.
How employers can make a difference
There are many meaningful ways organisations can support their people’s mental health and build a stronger sense of workplace community, such as:
- Empathetic leadership
Leaders who listen actively, show vulnerability and respond with compassion can have a profound impact on employee wellbeing. Creating space for honest conversations helps to destigmatise mental health challenges and shows that it’s okay to not be okay. - Flexible working
Offering flexibility, whether that’s through remote work, flexible hours or reasonable adjustments, helps employees better balance their professional and personal lives. This can significantly reduce stress and enhance productivity. - Health and wellbeing support and resources
Providing access to wellbeing initiatives like mindfulness sessions, nutrition advice or physical activity programmes can empower employees to take charge of their own health, while reinforcing your organisation’s commitment to a healthier workforce. - Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
A robust EAP is one of the most effective tools for supporting mental health in the workplace. By offering confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, and mental health resources, EAPs provide employees with a lifeline when they need it most. - Mental health awareness training for managers
Equipping line managers with the knowledge and confidence to spot early signs of distress is essential. Mental health awareness training for managers helps them understand how to respond appropriately, have supportive conversations, and signpost employees to relevant services. This not only helps individuals feel supported but also creates a psychologically safer workplace where mental health is taken seriously.
When employers take proactive steps like these, they don’t just benefit individual employees – they build stronger, more connected teams and ultimately drive better business outcomes.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s time for all businesses to be asking “What can we do to better support our employees’ mental health at work?”
Whether you’re a business leader, a manager, or a team member, we all have an active role to play in opening up the conversation.
If you need some more guidance, resources or support, check out the organisations below.
At Medigold Health, we’re proud to support businesses in building healthier, happier workplaces. From tailored EAPs and stress management support to mental health leadership training and wellbeing strategy development, we’re here to help you make mental health a priority.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
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