Exploring workplace mental health 

We spend so much of our time at work, so it's not surprising that our experiences with colleagues and how engaged we are with our jobs can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. 

While our work can give us a great sense of purpose, a community for support and chances for growth, it can also cause us to feel stressed and worried, and seep into how we feel outside of work. This was highlighted by recent research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), that found mental health is the fifth most common reason for workplace sickness absence and in 2022-23, around 875,000 workers reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety. 

World Mental Health Day takes place every 10 October, and this year, the day is an opportunity to reflect on workplace mental health and look at ways that we can create mentally healthy teams and recognise when someone we work with might need support.  

Working with our members, the BPS has produced insightful guidance, award-winning campaigns and comprehensive studies around workplace mental health and how to support staff who might be struggling. 

• Protect the future of NHS staff mental health and wellbeing services – Our campaign calling for government to continue to fund vital NHS staff health and wellbeing hubs. From the 'news' tab on this page you can find all the campaign updates, support from prominent figures in the NHS and media and stories from NHS staff. 
• Study explores aspects of psychological safety in different work settings – A study published in the BPS's Research and Assessment Matters periodical, revealed how remote workers are more likely to cover up their mistakes, and therefore be less likely to learn and grow in their role. 
• Psychological assessment of adults with specific performance difficulties at work – These guidelines were created by the Neurodiversity and Employment Working Group of the Division of Occupational Therapy. 
• BPS supports trailblazing programme applying health psychology approach to workforce transformation – Read about our support to train seven health psychologists for a programme applying a health psychology approach to workforce transformation and redesign. 
• Tackling rac​​​​​​​ism should not be left to individuals – A blog outlining findings from a survey into levels of racism at work and how racism in the workplace should be tackled by organisations. 
• Mental Health Awareness Week - Psychology at Work – Our recommendations for creating psychologically healthy workplaces.  
• Psychology at work: Improving wellbeing and productivity in the workplace – A BPS report that makes recommendations for policymakers about how to balance current economic and productivity challenges with employee wellbeing.