Mental Health Awareness Week (12 to 18 May) has focused on the theme of "Community" this year, highlighting the vital connection between social support and mental wellbeing in the workplace. The theme offers employers a timely opportunity to strengthen workplace connections and enhance mental health support systems.

Why community matters for mental health

The "Community" theme recognises that our mental health thrives when we have strong social connections. Research consistently shows that individuals with robust community connections experience fewer mental health difficulties compared to those lacking social support.

The World Health Organisation notes that workplaces can protect mental health by providing "an inclusive community" alongside financial stability, confidence building and routine. This underscores how crucial workplace communities are for employee wellbeing.

The business case

A workplace with a positive, supportive community is fundamental to mental health and wellbeing. Neglecting mental health concerns can lead to increased absences, lower productivity and higher staff turnover. Mental Health First Aid England indicates that work-related mental health issues cost the UK economy £57.4 billion each year, a substantial increase from pre-pandemic. It also found that a third of managers in England felt "out of their depth" when supporting employees with mental health challenges.

Conversely, a focus on and investment in mental health support has potential for substantial benefits, including improved retention, enhanced productivity and reduced absenteeism. Research by Deloitte in 2024 estimated an average return of £5 for every £1 an employer invested in mental health resources.

Five practical strategies for building workplace community

• Show your appreciation: Express gratitude and recognition to strengthen your workplace community and increase colleagues' job satisfaction. Think about peer recognition programmes, team celebrations of achievements and personalised acknowledgement of contributions from leadership.
• Create open communication channels: Employees need strong connections and supportive communities for their wellbeing and mental health. Clear communication channels increase collaboration, innovation and employee engagement. Ensure you have regular forums for discussion about workplace challenges, have clear pathways for raising concerns and communicate transparently about organisational changes.
• Improve your induction process: New joiners want to make connections in your business and a structured induction or onboarding process can reduce isolation during what is a potentially stressful transition. Assign a mentor or buddy to new joiners, organise informal social gatherings to help newcomers build relationships beyond work tasks and provide information on workplace communities and activities.
• Normalise conversations about mental health at work: Create an environment where everyone discusses mental health openly to eliminate shame and build support. This will encourage individuals to seek support when they need it. Train your managers to recognise signs of mental health struggles and approach conversations with empathy. Implement regular check-ins where employees share experiences and mental wellbeing challenges. Encourage leaders to discuss mental health challenges openly.
• Provide resources to support mental health: Build a comprehensive support system for workplace mental health by offering confidential counselling, employee assistance programmes, mental health first aiders and wellbeing educational materials. Make these resources easily accessible, promote them widely and ensure they address diverse needs. Communicate regularly about available support to normalise help-seeking and demonstrate your commitment to mental health.

Use Mental Health Awareness Week as your starting point, not your destination. By fostering a workplace community that prioritises mental health, employers not only fulfil their duty of care but also create environments where employees can thrive professionally and personally. In today's competitive talent market, organisations that genuinely invest in community and mental wellbeing will distinguish themselves as employers of choice, while simultaneously building more resilient, productive and engaged workforces.