The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is ‘Community’ and here at UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, we strongly believe in being connected, whether that’s with family, friends, work colleagues, groups, gym memberships etc (the list really could go on).
We’re here to support and aid employers in creating safe and healthy spaces in workplaces for employees to thrive, as well as supporting employees in their personal lives and overall wellbeing. After all, the workplace is a form of community and keeping it healthy, ensures that everyone can benefit- employers and employees alike.
Community is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining positive mental health. It allows people to interact with one another, share their concerns or worries, combat loneliness or feelings of stress and anxiety- the list goes on!
Recent findings show that mental health contributes to 51% of long-term sickness and is actually preventing many young people from entering the workplace. This means that without mental health support, employers are losing out on valuable employees, there’s increased issues operationally, with productivity and ultimately financially.
Did you know that mental health absences cost UK businesses £57.4 billion each year?
This is due to the high rates of absences that comes along with unsupported poor mental health. Not to mention, poor mental health is also a cause of presenteeism, which costs UK businesses a further £25 billion. Whether employees are off sick or attending work but not working to their capabilities due to mental health struggles, it’s evident that employers face various challenges, and they need addressing urgently (like UK government have stated previously).
With occupational health, employers can help create a positive workplace community, that encourages employees to thrive in their careers, whilst also tackling issues such as absences, lower productivity, and the high costs that come along with them.
“Human beings are wired for connection. Research in psychology consistently shows that a sense of belonging and community support is key to positive mental health. Being part of a supportive community is a powerful buffer against the psychological toll of emotionally demanding work.
“Research and clinical observations show that meaningful connections with peers can reduce the impact of compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. In healthcare and caring professions, community support enables staff to process shared challenges, normalize distress, and access informal debriefing that often proves more healing than isolated clinical sessions.
“Feeling seen, heard, and valued within a team enhances a sense of belonging and helps individuals not only survive but thrive at work and beyond. Community creates the conditions for vitality, learning, and growth, all of which are essential for long-term mental wellbeing.”