The Workplace Mental Health Crisis: Why Ignoring It Could Destroy Your Business in 2025

Burnout and anxiety are at an all-time high. These three steps can transform your workplace.

As the festive season approaches, many of us are preparing to unwind and enjoy some time off. But how many of your employees are heading into the holidays exhausted, not excited? How many are using their time off just to recover from burnout, dreading the return to work? And how many are already feeling the strain of holiday debt after Black Friday splurges, knowing they’ll have to wait until mid-January for their next paycheck because December salaries are paid early?

Mental health in the workplace isn’t just an individual challenge; it’s a crisis impacting entire organisations. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) report that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually, with 12 billion working days lost every year.

This isn’t just a personal health issue—it’s a business-critical problem. And yet, many organisations still treat mental health as an afterthought.

The Leadership Gap: Why Transparency Matters

Imagine this: a high-performing employee who once thrived in every meeting now appears disengaged, unproductive, and absent. You might put it down to poor performance, but they’re likely battling stress or anxiety—and they don’t feel safe asking for help.

This kind of silent suffering is far too common.

The Financial Times highlights how leadership engagement is vital in addressing workplace mental health. A global survey by MindForward Alliance found that when leaders openly address mental health, 85% of employees feel supported. Without leadership transparency, that figure plummets to just 31%.

As Alison Unsted, Chief Executive of MindForward Alliance, explains:
“Leaders must be prepared to have open conversations about the full spectrum of mental health issues. Building trust and a culture of support starts at the top.”

When leadership fails to act, the cost is devastating—not only for individuals but for organisations as well.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

The numbers paint a stark picture:

• Burnout affects 17% of employees in finance and insurance sectors, costing businesses an average of £5,379 per employee per year (Financial Times).
• The WHO and ILO report that 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy $1 trillion.
• Many workplace wellbeing programmes fail to address systemic issues like excessive workloads or toxic management, leaving stress levels at all-time highs (Financial Times).

Superficial perks like free yoga classes or gym memberships won’t fix these deep-rooted problems. Companies that fail to prioritise mental health risk high turnover, absenteeism, and plummeting productivity.

Three Little-Known but Critical Steps to Transform Workplace Mental Health

If you’re serious about tackling mental health in your workplace, these three often-overlooked strategies can make a meaningful difference:

1. Lead with Vulnerability
   Employees take their cues from leadership. When senior leaders openly acknowledge the importance of mental health, it sends a powerful message: it’s okay to ask for help. Host open forums, share your own challenges, and create a safe space where employees feel seen and heard.
2. Build Tailored Support Systems
   Conduct an audit of your existing mental health framework. Are resources accessible and visible? Too often, organisations offer reactive, one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of your workforce, involving employees in shaping these resources.
3. Invest in Mental Health Training
   Equip managers with the skills to recognise and respond to signs of distress. Programmes like Mental Health First Aid offer practical tools to help employees feel supported and understood. My next training course runs on 27–28 January—perfect timing to set your business up for success in 2025.

Why This Matters Now

As we prepare for the New Year, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The WHO, ILO, and MindForward Alliance make it clear: the mental health crisis is costing businesses billions in lost productivity. Retention, morale, and performance all depend on how supported your employees feel.

For many, this season is one of the most stressful times of the year, as personal and work pressures collide. Taking meaningful steps now can make all the difference—not just for your employees, but for the future of your organisation.

Take Action Today

The question isn’t whether your business can afford to prioritise mental health—it’s whether you can afford not to.

Ask yourself:

• What has my company done this year to support mental health?
• Are my managers equipped to address these challenges?
• What practical steps can we take today to make a difference?

Spaces are limited for my Mental Health First Aid training course on 27–28 January. Secure your spot today and equip your team to lead with confidence in 2025.

Helping organisations prioritise mental health isn’t just what I do—it’s what I’m passionate about. Let’s start the conversation today.

Because the real question is: can your business afford to ignore mental health in 2025?

P.S.
Start 2025 strong. Join my Mental Health First Aid training on 27–28 January and take the first step toward a healthier, more supportive workplace.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!