It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace

Peter Baker,

Regional HSSE Manager,

Douglas OHI

In an era where organisational success hinges on innovation and productivity, the conversation around mental health can no longer be sidelined. It is time for business leaders to recognise that the mental well-being of their workforce is not just a human resources issue—it is a critical driver of sustainable performance. At Douglas OHI, we believe that prioritising mental health is as integral to operational excellence as any other strategic initiative.

The reality is that mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are becoming increasingly prevalent in workplaces globally. In this increasingly digitised world, we are finding it harder to switch off or to disconnect, in fact being “disconnected” can cause stress in and of itself. Whilst connectivity and mobility can fuel productivity, they can also exact a toll on mental well-being if not carefully managed. It is our responsibility as an organisation to ensure we do more than just acknowledge this—we must take proactive steps to embed mental health into the core of our workplace culture.

This year, in alignment with World Mental Health Day 2024, we hosted a Mental Health Awareness Session under the theme "It's OK," reinforcing our commitment to mental health as a business imperative. Our HSE team led a thought-provoking session aimed at equipping our employees with the tools to navigate the complexities of mental health in high-demand work environments. But more importantly, we sought to challenge the narrative—mental health is not a sign of weakness but a critical component of personal and professional resilience.

As leaders, it is essential that we move beyond mere compliance and tick-box exercises. Fostering an open, supportive dialogue around mental health enables us to dismantle the stigma that still persists. When employees feel safe discussing their mental health, the organisation benefits from early intervention, improved team cohesion, and heightened innovation—because a healthy mind is the cornerstone of high performance.

At Douglas OHI, we understand that mental health is not just an individual responsibility but a shared organisational one. The session empowered our teams with practical strategies to manage stress, maintain mental resilience, and seek support when needed. Yet, this is just one part of the journey. Our commitment is to continue shaping a workplace where mental health is a leadership priority, where the well-being of our people is as important as any business target.

?As we look to the future, it’s clear: the businesses that will thrive in the long term are those that understand the power of a mentally resilient workforce. At Douglas OHI, we are proud to lead by example—because prioritising mental health isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.

Please click on https://bit.ly/3BEV1Aj to access our health, safety, and well-being “Nudge” focusing on one element of mental health, i.e. stress in the workplace.