Every October, World Mental Health Month reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, in many workplaces, mental wellbeing is often overlooked — and the costs of not addressing it are far greater than we may realise.

The Impact of Ignoring Mental Health in the Workplace

When mental health is not given priority, it doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts entire organisations. Employees struggling in silence often experience:

• Reduced productivity — stress, anxiety, or burnout can limit focus and performance.

• Increased absenteeism — mental health challenges are one of the leading causes of sick leave.

• Higher staff turnover — employees are more likely to leave environments where they feel unsupported.

• Lower team morale — one person’s wellbeing affects the collective energy and culture of a team.

These issues translate into real costs for businesses, from financial losses to reputational risks. More importantly, they highlight the human toll when people don’t feel safe to talk about their struggles or seek help.

Why Prioritising Mental Health is Essential

A workplace that supports mental wellbeing creates more than just a healthier team — it fosters resilience, loyalty, and innovation. When organisations provide access to resources, encourage open conversations, and build a culture of care, the benefits are clear:

• Stronger engagement and performance — employees feel valued and supported.

• Better retention rates — a positive culture encourages people to stay and grow.

• Healthier teams — early support can prevent small issues from becoming crises.

• A stronger reputation — businesses known for prioritising people attract top talent.

Taking Action This October

World Mental Health Month is an opportunity for every workplace to pause, reflect, and ask: Are we truly supporting our people?

Simple steps like training managers to recognise early signs of stress, encouraging employees to reach out for help, and promoting wellbeing resources can make a powerful difference. Creating a safe, supportive environment isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do.

This October, let’s commit to making mental health a priority, every day. Because when people thrive, businesses thrive.