World Mental Health Day 2025 – Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace
10th October marks World Mental Health Day, a global opportunity to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing. This year’s theme is “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace” — a message that resonates strongly across communities, businesses, and individuals.
Why Mental Health at Work Matters
Many of us spend a large part of our lives at work. When our workplaces are supportive, inclusive, and mindful of mental health, it makes a huge difference — not just to employees, but to families, businesses, and the wider community.
Research shows that addressing mental health in the workplace not only improves wellbeing but also boosts productivity, reduces absenteeism, and builds stronger, more resilient teams.
Local Support in Walton
Here in Walton, we’re fortunate to have local professionals such as Maria Lonergan Counselling offering one-to-one support. Maria provides a safe, confidential space for people to explore challenges they might be experiencing both inside and outside of work.
Beyond professional counselling, Walton’s local businesses and community spaces also contribute to wellbeing — from cafés that provide a friendly space to connect, to gyms and yoga studios that help reduce stress and improve balance.
We dropped in for a chat with Maria about why mental health in the workplace is important and she said:
Employee mental health in the workplace is extremely important as it can impact focus, productivity and performance. Poor mental health can contribute to an increase in absenteeism and low moral within the workplace. Staff absenteeism can then create more stress and pressure on the remaining members of staff when their workload can increase to compensate for those that are absent, leading to further stress on those employees.
Maria explained some of the frequent work-related challenges that she assists people with:
Burnout is a common workplace issue. Very little seems to be understood about it and the signs of burnout can be ignored leading to employees mental health breaking down to a point they are then unable to function and are then forced to take sick leave. Unreasonable expectations set by employers and a lack of sufficient staff also leads to anxiety and stress on the remaining members of staff whose workload can lead to prolonged working hours. This then creates a lack of work/life balance and self care becomes less of a priority causing further stress and anxiety.
Imposter syndrome is also a common cause of clients seeking therapy as it leads to them feeling anxious and fearful of being exposed as a fraud and not being as good as they feel they need to be, causing them to compare themselves to others and create unreasonable expectations upon themselves. It stems from a lack of self worth and belief in themselves.
Work place bullying is also an area often discussed. This can severely impact an employees mental health, confidence and self esteem. It is crucial employers are aware of bullying and actively stop this form of abuse within the workplace.
Steps Employers Can Take
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that every workplace can make positive changes. Even small steps make a difference, such as:
- Encouraging open conversations about wellbeing.
- Offering flexible working options where possible.
- Creating quiet spaces for breaks and reflection.
- Promoting physical activity and healthy routines.
- Signposting employees to professional support.
Maria shares the following expert advice for Employers:
Management could benefit in attending a mental health/wellbeing training course to give them the skills to both recognise mental health in their staff and understand the options available within the organisation to support staff members that may be struggling.
Employers could offer flexible work options that cater for differing personal circumstances like flexible working hours and working from home where possible. Also the ability for employees to access mental health support outside of the organisation so that they can talk openly and freely to a neutral party. Employers could ensure the mental health of an employee is openly discuss at 1-1 personal development/feedback meetings and enable employees to feel free to express any concerns without the fear of repercussions.
Some organisations offer mental health workshops to staff members which cover how to recognise and manage stress and anxiety with tools and practical exercises they can utilise. The occasional social events help with employees connect and feeling valued.
Building a Healthier Community
By prioritising mental health in the workplace, we don’t just improve working lives — we build a stronger community where people feel supported and valued.
If you or someone you know is struggling, local support such as Maria Lonergan Counselling is available. Maria has over 15 years experience and a good understanding in how to support clients with any mental health work related issues such as stress ,anxiety and a lack of work/life balance. She offers a a free 15 minute consultation either by phone or online to discuss your needs and whether therapy is the right step for you.
Mental health and well-being charities working from Charities House:
The Counselling Partnership
An independent charity, offering low cost one-to-one counselling in North Surrey.
Mary Frances Trust
Providing support for people who are experiencing any kind of emotional or mental distress, to help them get on with their lives.
North West Surrey Samaritans
Providing a safe place, where people can be themselves and talk about whatever is bothering them.
For emotional support ring free on 116 123 or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply)
Alongside local support, there are national resources available, such as:
Mind – www.mind.org.uk
Mental Health at Work (Mind & Heads Together initiative) – www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk
Together, we can make mental health a priority — in the workplace and beyond.