Mental Health Awareness Week: What we can do to support mental wellbeing at work
It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and it feels like the right moment to ask a question that many employers quietly wonder but don't always act on: are you doing enough to support the mental wellbeing of everyone in your team? And how can individuals take better care of their own mental health?
What we can all do
The NHS outlines the "Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing" that everyone, whether at work or at home, can practise every day:
Give to others: showing appreciation and small acts of kindness can make a real difference. A simple "thank you", a thoughtful gesture or letting someone know you're there for them builds resilience and helps us all navigate the inevitable challenges life throws our way.
Personal connection: making time for a quick catch-up, whether over coffee, lunch or a phone call, and genuinely asking "how are you?" whilst listening to the answer. For remote colleagues, staying connected through video calls fosters a sense of community and belonging, where understanding and acceptance meet. Knowing you are seen and not alone improves your ability to cope, recover and thrive.
Learning new skills: there's nothing quite like learning something new to bring a sense of achievement and fulfilment, whether that's a new recipe, a dance class or, in a work context, a new system or tool. Sharing the experience with others can further boost confidence and wellbeing.
Keep moving: being physically active, even during the working day, can make a real difference to mental clarity. Taking the stairs, introducing walking meetings or simply stepping outside and walking in nature creates a wonderful sense of calm and perspective.
Be mindful: taking time to pause and reset during the day builds inner calm and self-awareness. Creating space for this in the workplace leads to a more engaged team with a greater ability to roll with the punches.
What employers can do
There are many meaningful steps employers can take, including:
Access to Mental Health First Aiders across the organisation, trained and trusted colleagues who can listen, support and guide people through difficult times
Regular one-to-ones where people can share how they're feeling and communicate what they need
Flexible working options, including hybrid working and hours that work around individual circumstances
Making reasonable adjustments for those who need them. Everyone is unique, and recognising differences such as neurodiversity is the starting point for helping people bring their best selves to work
A strong internal community through recognition schemes, team gatherings and environments where wins are celebrated and challenges can be shared openly
The TRP Approach
Working in a fast-paced environment like ours can be exciting, but it can also bring its own pressures. Supporting mental wellbeing is therefore an ongoing priority, embedded into how we work:
Weekly catch-ups where we share wins and challenges, both professional and personal, with remote colleagues always dialled in. We also play "Spin the Wheel" for prizes including time off, free lunches, gift vouchers and extra holiday days
Flexible working patterns including hybrid, remote and adjusted hours to fit around personal and family life
Work from home Fridays and later starts & earlier finishes
Summer Fridays
An hour off on Blue Mondays
A weekly written performance review where we reflect on our proudest achievement and are encouraged, should we wish, to share any worries
An open-door policy to discuss anything that's troubling us with a line manager, in complete confidence, with a focus on managing stress and finding solutions
Regular social events including spa days, team dinners and shows
Tailored rewards and incentives where people feel valued and understood
At TRP Recruitment, mental wellbeing is not a one-off initiative or a nice-to-have; it is a core part of our culture. By creating an environment built on understanding, flexibility and genuine care, we enable everyone to feel valued and supported.
