Top Ten Tips for… Prioritising Good Mental Health

Following Mental Health Awareness Week in May, it’s a good opportunity for organisations to continue conversations and focus on simple but practical ways to support wellbeing at work. Creating a healthy workplace is about building everyday habits, supportive communication and realistic expectations.  

1.    1. Promote open conversations about mental health 

Create a culture where people feel comfortable. This helps reduce stigma and encourages earlier support when challenges arise.  

1.    2. Watch for signs of burnout 

Increased fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating can be signs that someone may be struggling. It’s important to be aware of changes in behaviour and communication patterns and offer support if needed.  

1.    3. Support realistic workload and deadlines 

Consistently unrealistic expectations can impact wellbeing and performance. Prioritisation and flexibility are essential, and regular reviews can help employees feel more supported and reduce pressure.  

   4. Encourage employees to utilise annual leave 

Time away from work supports recovery and helps prevent long-term stress from building up over time. Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the year and reinforce the importance of properly disconnecting during leave. 

   5. Introduce regular check-ins 

Short, informal conversations can help managers understand how employees are coping and can help identify concerns before they escalate. This can help employees feel valued and more comfortable raising issues.  

   6. Promote healthy boundaries at work 

Encourage employees to properly disconnect at the end of the working day and avoid a culture of constant availability. Supporting healthy boundaries helps reduce stress and encourages a healthier work-life balance.  

1.    7. Provide access to resources 

Signpost employees to available support such as wellbeing programmes, mental health resources and employee assistance services. Making support visible and accessible encourages employees to seek help more confidently. 

Useful Links: Mind: Mind, CIPD: CIPD Factsheet, Mental Health UK: Mental Health UK Guide

1.    8. Create psychologically safe environments 

Employees should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and raising concerns without fear of judgement. A psychologically safe environment supports strong communication and overall wellbeing.  

1.    9. Focus on progress, not perfection 

Encouraging a culture where mistakes can be discussed constructively can help reduce pressure and supports long-term wellbeing. 

1.    10. Encourage learning & development without pressure 

Professional growth can support confidence and engagement, but learning goals should remain realistic and supportive. Encourage manageable development opportunities that help build skills without adding unnecessary pressure.