Mental Health in the Workplace

“It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace” – that is the motto of this year’s World Mental Health Day, which will be celebrated worldwide on October 10, 2025.

In this article, we take a closer look at World Mental Health Day and provide a comprehensive overview of mental health in the workplace.

Table Of Contents

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is an initiative led by the World Federation for Mental Health and supported by the World Health Organization. Established in 1992, its goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide and promote efforts in support of mental well-being. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges people with mental health conditions face daily and to explore solutions for positive change.

Mental Health is a Universal Human Right

This year’s theme, “Mental health is a universal human right,” reinforces the fundamental truth that mental well-being is as important as physical health. This principle extends to the workplace: every employee has the right to a work environment that protects their mental health. We all deserve workplaces where we are neither discriminated against nor stigmatized for our mental well-being.

Mental health affects everyone regardless of age, gender, background, or profession. It has a significant impact on many aspects of our daily lives, particularly our ability to work productively. This is why it is so important that employers, managers, and HR professionals recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace and take appropriate measures to promote and protect it.

Mental Health in the Workplace: the Numbers

Statistics show that mental health issues are on the rise globally, impacting workplaces significantly. Stress, job insecurity, excessive workloads, and unhealthy environments contribute to conditions like burnout, depression, and anxiety.

Mental Health in Numbers:

Prevalence of mental illness: According to the WHO, one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime, ranging from anxiety to depression.
Work-related stress: a survey by Mental Health America found that 75 percent of employees report work stress affecting their sleep, and 60 percent say it impacts their relationships.
Absenteeism: the UK-based Health and Safety Executive reports that stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 51 percent of all work-related ill health cases in 2023-24.
Financial impact: According to the World Economic Forum, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy one trillion dollars per year in lost productivity.

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Effects of Mental Illness on Companies

The mental well-being of employees has direct consequences for businesses. Poor mental health can lead to:

Increased absenteeism – Employees with mental health conditions take more sick leave, leading to productivity losses.
Reduced productivity – Mental health disorders can cause concentration problems, difficulty making decisions, and lower work performance.
Higher staff turnover – A lack of mental health support often leads to increased employee turnover, raising recruitment and training costs.
Damage to reputation – Companies that fail to address mental health may struggle to attract and retain top talent.

The Role of HR in Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace

As companies strive to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, HR professionals play a critical role in ensuring that mental health is a priority.

Key Responsibilities of HR Teams:

Creating a supportive environment – Employees should feel safe discussing mental health challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Developing mental health policies – Establishing clear guidelines ensures that employees receive the support they need.
Providing access to mental health resources – Offering access to professional counseling and well-being programs can help employees manage stress.

Measures to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace

Organizations can implement both general and targeted strategies to improve mental well-being:

General Initiatives:

Flexible working arrangements
Encouraging work-life balance
Establishing wellness programs and relaxation spaces

Targeted Measures:

Mental health awareness training – Providing education programs for employees and managers helps reduce stigma and promotes early intervention.
Mental health policies – Companies should have clear policies that outline support structures and resources for employees.
Early detection and support – HR teams should implement mechanisms such as confidential feedback channels and regular check-ins to detect mental health issues early.

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Leading Companies Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health

Some companies have already taken significant steps to promote mental well-being in the workplace.

Publicis Groupe – The advertising company launched WeCareWeThrive, a campaign aimed at fostering a positive work environment. The initiative includes digital lectures, mental health training, and an internal WeCare support club.
Unilever – The global consumer goods giant provides free mental health counseling to employees and has implemented training to help managers recognize mental health issues.
Google – Google offers employees access to mental health programs, therapy sessions, and resilience training.

How Speexx Supports Mental Health in the Workplace

At Speexx, we are committed to ensuring a healthy and supportive workplace environment. Our mental health initiatives include:

Partnership with Stimulus – Since 2021, we have collaborated with Stimulus to provide confidential psychological counseling services.
Regular team satisfaction surveys – Conducting surveys helps us understand the needs of our employees.
Workshops and events – We organize regular workshops on mental health topics such as stress management and emotional intelligence.
Flexible working arrangements – Our initiatives include remote work options and flexible scheduling to help employees manage work-life balance.
Psychological safety training – Internal workshops teach employees how to foster an inclusive and psychologically safe workplace.

Challenges In Implementing Mental Health Initiatives

Despite progress, companies still face challenges in fully implementing mental health initiatives:

Stigma and discrimination – Employees may be hesitant to discuss mental health issues due to fear of judgment. Companies need to build a culture of openness and acceptance.
Resistance to change – Some organizations may resist implementing mental health programs due to perceived costs. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh initial expenses.