What are the statistics around mental health in the UK?
Mental health has moved from the margins of public discussion into the mainstream, yet the numbers remain sobering. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year, most commonly anxiety and depression. Every week workers across the country report feeling stressed or unable to cope, while mental ill health remains a leading cause of sickness absence, costing thousands of working days each year. These are not just statistics but real lives affected; colleagues, friends and family members navigating the pressures of work and life with depleted emotional reserves.
Why is it so important that we protect our mental health?
Mental health is the foundation for everything else, how we think, relate, make decisions and live. When our emotional wellbeing is neglected, productivity falters, relationships fray and physical health declines. Persistent stress can disrupt sleep, weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Because most adults spend a large portion of their waking hours at work, the environment and habits developed there inevitably spill over into life outside. Safeguarding mental health is therefore not an optional extra but a necessity for living and working well.
What are some of the factors that cause mental ill health in the workplace?
Even well-meaning workplaces can inadvertently become breeding grounds for stress. Heavy workloads, unclear job roles and tight deadlines without adequate support create chronic strain. Poor relationships between staff or with management undermine trust and lead to isolation. Lack of autonomy over tasks strips away motivation, while insufficient recognition leaves employees feeling undervalued. Job insecurity, long commutes, unsociable hours and noisy or uncomfortable environments compound the pressure. Taken together, these factors can overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope and erode their mental wellbeing.
What are some lifestyle changes that people can make to improve their mental health?
While workplaces matter, individuals also have powerful tools at their disposal. Small but consistent changes in daily routines can strengthen resilience and improve mood. Here are ten lifestyle changes that can help:
- Prioritise sleep: Set consistent bedtimes and wake times, aiming for uninterrupted rest to improve emotional balance.
- Eat a balanced diet: Choose meals rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats to support brain function.
- Exercise regularly: Incorporate movement such as walking, yoga, cycling or dancing to release tension and boost endorphins.
- Practise mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day in meditation, deep breathing or quiet reflection to calm the mind.
- Make time for hobbies: Engage in creative pursuits or interests outside work to restore joy and perspective.
- Nurture social connections: Talk with friends, family or colleagues to guard against isolation and negative thinking.
- Set work–life boundaries: Switch off devices after hours and protect personal time to maintain mental space.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: Reduce stimulants or sedatives that can worsen mood swings or anxiety.
- Learn to say no: Avoid overcommitment by delegating or declining tasks when already stretched.
- Schedule regular rest: Ensure breaks are genuine downtime, not just pauses between tasks to prevent burnout.
What can we do to improve the mental health of workers in the workplace?
Employers have both an opportunity and a duty to shape the conditions that support wellbeing. Normalising conversations about stress, anxiety and mental health encourages early help-seeking. Training managers to listen and respond with empathy creates psychological safety. Offering flexible working hours or locations helps staff manage personal demands alongside their job. Clear workloads, regular feedback and fair recognition promote security and purpose. Access to counselling, employee assistance programmes or peer support ensures help is within reach. And when leaders model balance, take breaks and speak openly about wellbeing, they send a powerful signal that mental health matters.
In conclusion
Mental health challenges are widespread in UK workforces and have a major impact on people and organisations alike. Employers can support staff by creating a culture of openness. Mental wellbeing underpins performance, relationships and physical health, which means protecting it is essential. At MOHS we help organisations become better prepared to deal with mental health challenges in the workplace via our mental health first aid course. To learn more or arrange a booking, click the link below.