Tackling burnout: How can employers actively raise mental health awareness in the workplace?

Have you invested in an employee wellbeing programme? Well, without role modelling, it could be a waste of money.

Many businesses are increasingly prioritising mental health awareness, but it’s evident that more can be done.

A recent Ipsos report highlights some alarming figures: despite efforts to boost morale and foster connection, burnout is still a serious issue for businesses, costing UK companies an estimated £102bn in 2023 due to poor well-being and sickness.

As noted in Forbes, the benefits of investing in mental health are substantial. Building a workplace where employees feel supported, respected, and connected can lead to increased profits.

So, given that World Mental Health Day’s theme this year is workplace mental health, it feels pertinent to ask…

How do we actively raise awareness for mental health in the workplace, to help counteract burnout?

What’s driving burnout?

To improve mental health awareness, it’s vital for employers to understand the root causes of burnout.

Ipsos’ research identifies key factors contributing to burnout among employees, including:

• Pressure to manage demanding workloads
• Difficulty disconnecting from work and maintaining a work-life balance
• Lack of job enjoyment

Despite businesses’ best efforts, it’s clear that employees are seeking more than just wellness programs or quick fixes.

Over-productivity and mental health

Employees often tie their self-worth to productivity, especially when faced with heavy workloads.

Breaking this cycle is tough, even when we know that sitting for hours at a computer without a break negatively affects mental health.

A recent campaign by ASICs’ featuring actor Brian Cox, highlights the benefits of daily movement for stress relief.

Their study found that just 15 minutes of movement can boost mental health and productivity by 22.5%.

While this advice is valuable, it can sometimes feel like a short-term solution.

Although breaks improve creativity and productivity, many employees avoid them, fearing they’ll be perceived as less productive.

CNBC emphasizes that over-productivity often leads to burnout, with employees feeling the need to maintain high levels of performance to gain recognition from leadership—or simply avoid criticism.

What can employers do?

A key finding from a survey conducted by the Global Business Collaboration for Better Workplace Mental Health is that nearly one-third of employees wouldn’t tell their boss if they needed time off for mental health reasons.

Ipsos’ report highlights the need for leadership teams to “walk the talk” when it comes to mental health.

It’s noted that employees are less likely to engage in company wellness initiatives if they don’t see leadership setting the example.

Poppy Jaman, Chair of the Global Business Collaboration, underscores that while individual interventions are important, transforming workplace culture and environments is where real change happens.

Employers must cultivate trust by showing a genuine commitment to mental health, this can help lift morale and engagement.

Next steps for workplace mental health awareness

According to Harvard Business Review, mental health awareness should be seen as an ongoing journey for employers.

Fostering strong relationships with employees, regularly assessing mental health needs, and making meaningful changes tailored to their workforce are crucial for retaining loyalty and creating a happy work environment.

To build these relationships, businesses should re-evaluate key factors that strengthen employee trust:

• Safety: This includes physical and psychological safety, financial stability, and long-term balance.
• Autonomy: Employees need control, flexibility, and a voice in their work.
• Belonging: People want to feel authentic at work, build meaningful connections, and be part of a supportive community.

These elements reflect a holistic approach to mental health that takes into account each person’s unique needs.

Tips to improve your work life

Mental health challenges and burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their role.

While businesses should take a comprehensive approach, individuals can also take steps to better understand their own mental health needs.

In her article for Harvard Business Review, Alice Boyes suggests that employees can improve their workday by aligning it with their natural rhythms and mental health challenges.

Tip: Recognising when your workday isn’t structured to suit you, and making changes accordingly, can help prevent burnout.

Recognising your worth

Another major cause of poor mental health is comparison. With heavy workloads and pressure to be productive, feelings of imposter syndrome can arise.

And when people feel like imposters in their place of work, feelings of self-doubt will likely arise. Which in turn, can begin to influence decisions and actions.

To combat this, the “So What Test” is a useful tool:

• So what if this decision isn’t universally popular?
• So what if it doesn’t meet every expectation?
• So what if I have to change course later?

This approach helps gain perspective, moving away from self-doubt.

Recognising negative stress

Not all stress is bad—some can be motivating—but it’s important to recognise when stress becomes harmful.

Negative stress should be temporary and should not disrupt sleep, exercise, eating, or social life.

Identifying the source of this stress is key to managing it effectively.

You can read more about managing negative stress in one of my previous blogs.

Final Thoughts

There is significant potential for businesses to better understand their employees’ needs, which can improve mental health, reduce burnout, and boost profits.

By fostering an environment of open dialogue and genuine care, we can work collectively to create safer, healthier workplaces.