Health & Wellbeing at Work FAQs

Health and wellbeing in the workplace refers to the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees and the strategies organisations use to create a supportive and positive environment. It encompasses ensuring safe working conditions, promoting healthy lifestyles, offering ergonomic equipment, and providing access to occupational health services.

Mental health initiatives, including counselling support, stress management, and fostering an open culture around mental wellbeing, are also key. Social wellbeing is promoted through inclusive practices, team-building activities, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections among colleagues.

According to the mental health charity Mind, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem in the UK each year.

Some of the most common mental health issues in the workplace include:

• Stress – the HSE defines stress as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’.
• Anxiety – feeling, nervous, uneasy or tense.
• Depression – low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

Employee benefits of health and wellbeing initiatives include improved physical and mental health, leading to reduced stress, increased energy levels, and a greater sense of job satisfaction. This creates a supportive environment where employees feel valued, boosting morale and engagement.

Prioritising wellbeing is more likely to mean employees are motivated, productive, and able to thrive at work.

Mental health conditions have an extensive list of different signs and vary from person to person.

Examples of common signs or symptoms include:

• Feeling upset, angry or impatient.
• Being anxious or nervous.
• Inability to enjoy things you normally would.
• Lack of attention.
• Consumed with thoughts.
• Nausea or dizziness.
• Having suicidal thoughts.

Some ways you can look at treating mental health includes:

• Consulting your GP. Access therapies, medication, or specialist support.
• Talking to family, friends, or your employer. Share your concerns and explore available resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
• Using local counselling services. Reach out to organisations like Mind, Samaritans, or NHS talking therapies (IAPT) for professional support.

Employers are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010 to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. This includes preventing physical harm, providing necessary training, and ensuring workspaces meet ergonomic standards.

Employers must also support mental health by fostering open communication, managing workloads to reduce stress, and implementing policies that encourage inclusivity and fairness.

Ways to improve mental health and wellbeing in your workplace include:

• Encourage conversations on mental health within your organisation.
• Access training and awareness programmes at work.
• Implement a Mental Health at Work Plan to highlight the available support.
• Ensuring managers and supervisors lead by example and openly talk about mental health to all employees including managers.
• Making reasonable adjustments to prevent mental ill-health occurring.

Some tips to help you support the wellbeing of your workers include:

• Promote mental health: Provide access to resources like employee assistance programs, counselling, and stress management tips. Train managers to spot and address burnout.
• Encourage work-life balance: Set clear working hours, promote regular breaks, and offer flexible schedules.
• Communicate regularly: Schedule check-ins, use varied communication tools, and foster informal connections through virtual chats or coffee breaks.
• Build belonging: Organise virtual team-building activities, celebrate milestones, and create online social spaces.
• Support physical health: Share ergonomic advice, offer wellness initiatives, and promote healthy habits.
• Provide development opportunities: Offer virtual training and time for skill growth to keep employees engaged.
• Act on feedback: Regularly survey employees, address concerns, and refine initiatives.
• Lead by example: Encourage managers to model healthy behaviours and normalise wellbeing discussions.

A health and wellbeing at work policy details an organisation’s commitment to promoting employee health, creating a structured approach to supporting wellbeing and addressing workplace challenges that may affect staff.

A health and wellbeing policy should cover objectives, responsibilities, available resources, and support systems, addressing areas such as mental health, physical health, and work-life balance.

An employee health and wellbeing strategy should assess workplace needs, set clear goals, involve employees in decision-making, and implement initiatives such as mental health support, fitness programmes, and flexible working arrangements.