Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace: Are We Really Making Progress?

Workplace mental health has changed dramatically over the past few years. What was once a quiet, uncomfortable topic has now become a regular part of leadership discussions and employee wellbeing strategies. Yet, despite progress, a key question remains: are we truly making progress in how mental health is treated at work?

In recent years, there has been a clear rise in mental health support from employers. One survey revealed that 90% of companies now offer some form of mental health benefit, up from 84% in 2019. This growth reflects a wider understanding that mental wellbeing directly impacts engagement, performance, and retention.

Encouragingly, employees are also more open to discussing mental health at work. A 2024 report found that 74% of employees now feel comfortable talking about mental health issues with colleagues or managers. This represents a major step forward in creating workplaces where people feel supported to speak up. However, progress isn’t uniform. Around 35% of employees still say they have faced negative reactions after disclosing a mental health challenge, suggesting that awareness doesn’t always translate into understanding.

This is where leadership plays a critical role. When managers are trained to recognise the signs of stress or burnout, and respond with empathy and practical support, it changes how mental health is handled across the organisation.

Investing in mental health training for managers not only equips them with the tools to support employees effectively, but also helps create consistency in how issues are approached.

Regular check-ins, open conversations, and clear communication channels are also key. These help identify challenges early and make discussions about wellbeing part of normal working life rather than crisis management. Employers who integrate these touchpoints into daily workflows – not just annual wellbeing initiatives – see stronger engagement and reduced absenteeism over time.

The reality is that mental health support is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a business essential that underpins productivity, teamwork, and retention. Leaders who prioritise this area are not only improving individual wellbeing but also strengthening organisational performance and resilience.

While progress has been made, the journey is ongoing. By embedding mental health awareness into leadership development, communication, and workplace design, organisations can build environments where employees feel supported to perform at their best.

If you would like to discuss how we can help you strengthen your company’s approach to mental wellbeing and performance, please get in touch with us today.