Is your workforce ready for a new era of mental health?

In the current economic climate, employees are facing significant physical, mental and financial strain.

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among employees has highlighted an urgent need for employers to take a proactive stance.

Research from Unum UK underscores the scale of the challenge: one-third of surveyed employees experienced mental health difficulties in 2024 - equating to 10 million people- and a quarter reported a deterioration in their mental wellbeing over the year.

With employees taking an average of nine days off for mental health reasons compared to just four for general health issues, the need for effective workplace mental health support has never been greater.

The employer’s role in shaping workplace culture

Businesses have a profound influence over their employees’ overall wellbeing.

Given that workers spend more time with colleagues than family over a lifetime, creating a supportive culture is essential.

This isn’t about offering generic perks; it requires a shift towards holistic wellbeing strategies.

Consistent initiatives - such as professional development programmes and team-building activities - help shape environments where employees can thrive.

Looking ahead, we see businesses moving towards customised wellbeing initiatives tailored to individual employee needs.

Instead of rigid, broad-sweeping strategies, companies may consider:

Flexible wellness budgets, allowing employees to allocate resources to what benefits them most.
Mental health days, giving employees space to reset without stigma.
Customised coaching, including mindfulness training and stress management workshops.

Managers will need specialised training to recognise mental health concerns and know when and how to refer employees to professional support.

A well-trained leadership team is crucial in starting open conversations and ensuring employees feel comfortable seeking help.

Digital integration and the future of mental health support

Technology will continue to play a pivotal role in mental wellbeing strategies.

Future advancements will see greater personalisation and a stronger focus on preventative measures, rather than reactive solutions.

AI-driven tools, predictive analytics, and tailored wellbeing resources will help employees manage stress before it escalates.

One promising development is the expansion of digital tools. Integrated platforms, such as Unum's Help@hand, place professional support at employees’ fingertips, helping them to address issues before they lead to reduced productivity or sickness absence.

Employers who embrace these innovations and embed them into comprehensive benefits strategies will position themselves as leaders in workplace wellbeing. As expectations around employee support evolve, businesses must go beyond offering mental health support - they must create environments where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to take control of their own wellbeing.

Moving beyond reactive support

Historically, workplace mental health initiatives have often been reactive - supporting employees only when issues escalate.

However, the future of workplace wellbeing is about shifting to preventative strategies.

Businesses that focus on early intervention are effectively equipping employees with the resources to manage mental health challenges before they become crises.

Recognising the challenges faced by a multigenerational workforce - especially those juggling careers with caregiving responsibilities - Unum has enhanced Help@hand with a new Health Network area.

This initiative connects employees to even more expert partners and practical resources, starting with a partnership with YoungMinds, a dedicated charity for children and young people’s mental health.

Through this collaboration, parents and carers gain access to specialist guidance, including a dedicated parental support toolkit and helpline, equipping them with the resources they need to navigate their dual roles effectively.

With 20% of surveyed employees in the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ reporting that caregiving negatively impacts their productivity, tailored support solutions like these are more vital than ever.

The next era of mental health support strategies will be defined by workplace culture, personalisation, early intervention, and a truly holistic approach via digital innovation.

Those who take action now will reap the benefit of happier, healthier and more productive workforces for years to come.