It's All About People - 8th May 2025

READ TIME - 4 minute read

Mental Health Awareness Week (13–19 May) always gives me pause — because this isn’t just a professional topic for me. It’s a personal one too.

Like so many people, I’ve faced my own mental health challenges — including postnatal depression and more recently, the impact of the menopause. I’ve also supported family members through difficult times, and I know how hard it can be to speak up, let alone ask for help.

Earlier in my career, I had the privilege of working as an HR Manager at the UK’s largest mental health hospital. I wasn’t in a clinical role, but I learned so much from the incredible staff there. That experience, combined with my own journey, is where my passion for workplace mental health began.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood at work.
And I believe employers have a vital role to play in making that happen.

📊 Some eye opening stats:

• Mental ill health is still the leading cause of long-term absence in UK workplaces.

• The annual cost to UK employers? Up to £56 billion (Deloitte, 2022).

• That’s around £1,700 per employee, per year.

But there’s hope — and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

✅ For every £1 spent on mental health, employers see an average £5 return in improved wellbeing, productivity and retention.

Practical, low-cost steps you can take now:

• Lead from the top – open conversations reduce stigma.

• Encourage flexibility – even small tweaks help reduce stress.

• Check in regularly – not just about deadlines, but how people are.

• Protect breaks and space – make rest a visible priority.

• Signpost free support – including your EAP, NHS Talking Therapies, Mind or Samaritans.

💡 And if you're ready to take a more structured approach...

I’m really proud to say I designed a Mental Health Champions course that makes a lasting difference and had it accredited by AQA, so those who complete it get a recognised qualification.

It equips Champions with the tools and confidence to:

• Spot early signs of mental health concerns,

• Be a calm, approachable presence,

• Signpost support and promote a healthy workplace culture.

👉 You can read more about it here: Mental Health Champions Course

If you want to talk through your approach or explore running the Champions course in your organisation, just hit reply.

Because supporting mental health isn’t just good business —
it’s the right thing to do.

Best wishes,
Emma

P.S. There are SO many resources in the HR Hub to help with mental health, if you are not yet an HR Hub member then why not try it free for a month here.

P.P.S. Perhaps you know that absence is an issue in your organisation and you need a bit more help from our HR team. If that is you then why not try our Peace of Mind service for a one month trial, you can sign up here.

Events to Join in the coming weeks (click on the links to join us)

^{Lunch & Learn: Managing Sickness Absence - free to all clients, £35+VAT for non-clients). 13th May 12-1pm}

^{HR Masterclass: Effective Grievance Management - free to all clients, £150+VAT for non-clients). 15th May 9.30am-12.30pm}

^{HR Clinic - FREE to all. 11th June 12-1pm}

🎥 Coming Soon: Free Webinar Invitation! Later in May, I’ll be releasing a free webinar all about managing sickness absence — understanding the real costs, reducing absenteeism, and preparing for the 2026 changes.
If you'd like me to send you the webinar link when it's ready, just click here to register your interest.

🌟 Our Referral Program!

Do you know someone who would benefit from reading this weekly newsletter? We have just awarded the prize to Quarter One’s lucky winner, so start referring now and you will have lots of chances to win the Quarter Two £250 voucher! The more referrals you make, the higher your chances of winning – let’s spread the word and help even more people navigate HR with confidence. 💌🎁