How to Create a Positive Mental Health Culture in 2025

Why is Establishing a Positive Mental Health Culture so Critical?

Mental health concerns have always been prevalent. Even before the pandemic, the Mental Health Foundation reported that one in six adults experienced a common mental disorder. Mixed anxiety and depression accounted for about one-fifth of workdays lost in Britain. Fast-forward to 2025, and burnout remains a significant issue, especially as many businesses grapple with the complexities of remote and hybrid work environments.

Shockingly, stigma still exists—38% of employees in a Mental Health Foundation study feared that disclosing a mental health issue could harm their career prospects. This underscores the urgent need for organisations to actively foster a culture of positive mental health.

So, how can we do this? How can businesses reduce burnout and better support employees?

1. Prevention is Better Than Cure

Proactive measures are essential to avoid burnout and stress overload. Line managers must play an active role by encouraging employees to:

• Take regular breaks
• Set boundaries around work hours
• Watch for subtle behavioural changes, which may indicate that someone is struggling

Promoting recovery time and maintaining an open dialogue can make a world of difference.

2. Gain Buy-In from Leadership

A mental health-friendly culture starts at the top. Gaining support from senior leaders, including the CEO, can amplify the message. Encourage leaders to:

• Share their own mental health strategies
• Model healthy behaviours, such as setting boundaries or taking mental health days

This buy-in can inspire others throughout the organisation to prioritise their mental health.

3. Create a Safe Space for Open Dialogue

A supportive environment begins with open conversations. Incorporate mental health check-ins into regular meetings and introduce rolling agenda items about wellbeing. Additionally, set up:

• Mental Health First Aiders: Trained individuals who can provide support and escalate concerns safely
• Anonymous escalation routes: An alternative to approaching line managers, giving employees more options to seek help

The goal is to normalise conversations about mental health, breaking down the stigma that persists in many workplaces.

4. Identify Employees at Risk of Burnout

While a positive culture helps, businesses must also proactively address burnout and stress. Warning signs may include:

• Changes in enthusiasm or energy
• Working unusual hours or excessive overtime
• Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue

The key is knowing your people. Leverage tools like pulse surveys to gather insights and maintain open communication.

5. Offer Empathy and Realistic Support

Sometimes, the most impactful action is simply listening. While you may not be able to solve every issue—like a family health crisis—showing empathy is invaluable.

Our advice:

• Help where you can by recommending healthy behaviours or workplace resources
• Empathise when a solution isn’t possible, as emotional support can be just as critical

6. Share a range of Learning Resources to Build Resilience

In 2025, hybrid work setups are the norm. To thrive, employees and managers must prioritise resilience and wellbeing. Organisations can support this through targeted e-learning resources. Download our Wellbeing Topic flyer here which has a range of ready to go resources that you can share with your colleagues to foster stronger teams while promoting a healthier, more sustainable work culture.

Looking Forward

Creating a positive mental health culture requires a combination of preventative measures, leadership buy-in, and resources to support employees. As we navigate 2025, let’s ensure our workplaces are spaces where mental health is prioritised, conversations are normalised, and support is readily available.

More HR Resources available below:

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