Mental Health: Why Proactive Wellbeing Matters More Than Ever

In today’s dynamic business environment, prioritising mental health in the workplace is no longer optional—it’s essential. With workplace stress, anxiety, and burnout on the rise, UK employers are under increasing pressure to create healthier, more resilient teams.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 17.1 million working days were lost to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2023, making it one of the biggest threats to productivity and staff retention in the UK.

The challenge is clear: how can businesses move from reactive responses to proactive mental health strategies that actually prevent problems before they start?

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The Case for Proactive Workplace Wellbeing

The UK government’s WorkWell scheme, launched in 2024, reflects a national push toward early intervention. With £64 million in funding, it supports tailored mental health and employment services to help people stay in work longer, healthier, and with purpose.

Government minister Mims Davies MP reinforced the importance of early action, stating:

“We want everyone to thrive in the workplace, and early, joined-up support is key to making that happen.”

Meanwhile, business leaders continue to underline the link between employee wellbeing and business performance. Paul Drechsler, Chair of London First, put it succinctly:

“Good health is good business. A healthy workforce drives a healthy bottom line.”

These perspectives highlight a crucial shift—from managing symptoms of poor mental health, to building resilience at work and embedding wellbeing into everyday culture.

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What Proactive Mental Health in the Workplace Looks Like

A growing number of UK companies are implementing on-site and remote wellbeing programmes that focus on stress prevention and employee support.

This includes access to interventions like:

• Mobile wellness services
• Guided relaxation or meditation sessions
• One-on-one therapeutic treatments
• Resilience and mindset training

Cheryle Britton, founder of UK wellness provider YOLO Wellbeing, sees this shift firsthand:

“When we bring wellbeing services into the workplace, we’re not just offering relaxation—we’re changing attitudes. Creating a space where employees can pause and reset helps build emotional resilience and long-term engagement.”

Studies increasingly show that integrated services like these reduce workplace stress and boost focus, morale, and retention. Crucially, they also help to normalise self-care in the workplace, which is key to breaking the stigma around mental health.

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3 Ways Employers Can Improve Mental Health in the Workplace

1. Make Wellbeing Part of the Culture

Schedule regular wellbeing touchpoints—not just annual wellness weeks. Mobile services or mindfulness breaks built into the workday help embed a culture of care and boost productivity.

2. Lead from the Top

Encourage managers and senior leaders to model healthy behaviours—taking short breaks, engaging in mental health support, and promoting open conversations around wellbeing.

3. Use Data to Drive Impact

Choose wellbeing programmes that are backed by evidence and offer measurable outcomes. Track participation, feedback, and staff engagement to refine what works.

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Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Rethink Mental Health Support at Work

Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just about reducing absence—it’s about building a positive, productive environment where people feel supported to do their best work. Proactive employee wellbeing programmes not only reduce stress and burnout, they enhance performance, loyalty, and overall workplace culture.

If your business wants to move beyond the basics and build a truly resilient team, now is the time to take the next step.

If you would like information about how wellbeing programmes can support your business and your people please contact Cheryle Britton at YOLO Wellbeing.