Only half of companies provide mental health support

News
Joanne Swann
a man holds his head while sitting on a sofa

Only just over half (54%) of companies provide support for their employees’ mental health and wellbeing, according to research1 by Towergate Health & Protection. The research is revealed ahead of World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10 October) and shows the areas where more could be done to support the mental wellbeing of employees.

Drilling down into the research to look at how the support offered differs by size of company2, 70% of large corporates provide support for mental health and wellbeing, but this figure dips to less than half (49%) for SMEs, and just 37% for micro companies. Support also differs by industry, with companies in the construction industry least likely to provide mental health support (43%), while employees in healthcare are most likely to have access to support (80%).

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection, says: 

Everyone should be given access to mental health support at work, regardless of the size of company or the industry in which they are based.

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection

The 2023 theme of World Mental Health Day is ‘mental health is a universal human right’, and the workplace provides an ideal environment for a large number of people to be provided with the chance to improve their mental wellbeing and to be given mental health support if needed.

Cost-effective support

Providing mental health support can be extremely cost effective and can pay for itself in terms of the increased productivity and lack of absence seen in employees who are mentally well and resilient.

There are lots of options available for employers to support mental health, including many apps that promote mental wellbeing as an entry level to providing support. This can be enhanced by further digital tools right through to offering counselling, often available through a number of employee benefits including employee assistance programmes. A full programme could include introducing mental health first aiders and looking at wider wellbeing initiatives.

Debra Clark says: 

With the number of ways to offer mental wellbeing support, options at every level, and the huge benefits it brings, we would encourage every employer to offer it.

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

Share

Latest News

Latest Analysis

Related Articles

Employers of Overseas Staff ‘Must Prepare for Global Risks and Duty of Care’

Employers with staff based overseas are being urged to strengthen their approach to risk and employee support.

Rob Bravo: Rethinking resilience – calm won’t carry you through this

What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was making you less resilient? We’ve been working from the wrong definition of resilience.

SMEs ‘Consider Pension Provider Switch’ Amid Service Pressure And Wellbeing Concerns

Nearly two in five SMEs (38%) say they are likely to consider switching pension provider within the next three years.

Staff Shortages Continue to Put Pressure on UK Workplaces

UK employers are facing ongoing staffing challenges as many organisations do not have enough people to meet operational demands.
Previous article
UK Smoking Ban: Steps towards a healthier nation
Next article
Anna Dabek: Creating a menopause-friendly workplace – legal considerations, training, and accreditations