Time to Talk Day How employers and employees can work together to create supportive workplaces.

During my time as a Helpline Adviser at Acas. I have seen firsthand some of the challenges that employers and employees face when it comes to having open conversations about mental health at work.

First of all, it can still be challenging for many employees to openly discuss a mental health condition or anything that they might be struggling with, whether it be work-related or personal. From the employees’ perspective this can often stem from past negative experiences, fear of being treated unfavourably, not wanting to appear less competent or unreliable, or there may be a lack of trust that what they’re experiencing will be handled appropriately.

Employers can also face challenges regarding best practice when handling mental health matters with their staff. Thankfully at Acas, we offer training on this topic, and employers are able to sign up to our training through our website. ?

Open conversations about mental health in the workplace can transform company culture, foster trust, and create an environment where employees feel supported and comfortable enough to discuss their mental health without the fear of judgement and negative consequence. Time to Talk Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Both employers and employees play a crucial role in fostering this dialogue. By working together, they can create a workplace where mental health is prioritised and supported.

Why Mental Health Conversations Matter

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, including how we perform at work.

Research also shows that poor mental health can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. However, when employees feel safe discussing their challenges, they are more likely to seek help early, potentially reducing long-term impacts on both their well-being and their work. Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity for workplaces to reflect on how they approach mental health conversations. It reminds us that simply starting a dialogue can have a powerful impact. But how can employers and employees work together to create an open, supportive environment?

Steps Employers Can Take

Employers hold a unique position of influence in shaping workplace culture. Here are some ways they can encourage open conversations about mental health:

1. Lead by Example Leaders and managers should model openness by talking about their challenges or sharing their own mental health journeys (if they feel comfortable). When leadership participates in these conversations, it sets a tone of acceptance and reduces stigma.
2. Provide Training and Resources Employers can equip managers and staff with mental health training, such as Mental Health First Aid. These programs help individuals (like myself!) recognise signs of distress and provide tools to start supportive conversations. Additionally, providing resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or access to therapists can demonstrate a commitment to employees' well-being.
3. Create Safe Spaces Fostering an environment where employees feel safe discussing mental health is crucial. Employers can create initiatives such as peer support groups, wellness programs, or regular check-ins to ensure employees have opportunities to share their thoughts without fear of judgement.
4. Celebrate Time to Talk Day Use Time to Talk Day as a springboard for action. While organising activities such as mental health workshops, team discussions, or sharing stories to normalise conversations around mental health are a great first step, your organisation should aim to make this a year-round exercise. At Acas, we work across all our offices to identify virtual and in-person opportunities to support our colleagues through workshops, events and have a Mental Health and Wellbeing hub on our staff intranet with additional resources. All of this would not be possible to coordinate without support from the organisation and my fellow Health and Wellbeing Champions, and our Mental Health First Aiders.

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How Employees Can Contribute

While employers set the tone, employees also have an important role in fostering open conversations:

1. Start Small Employees can initiate conversations with colleagues by simply checking in. Asking “How are you really doing?” can open the door for meaningful discussions. Time to Talk Day provides the perfect opportunity to begin this dialogue.
2. Support Colleagues Being a good listener and offering non-judgemental support to peers can make a significant difference. Employees should also direct colleagues to available workplace resources if needed.
3. Participate in Initiatives Employees can actively engage in workplace events or campaigns for Time to Talk Day. By showing enthusiasm for these initiatives, they help build a culture of openness.

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Building a Better Workplace Together

The journey toward open mental health conversations requires collaboration between employers and employees. By working together, they can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. This Time to Talk Day, let’s break the silence, normalise mental health discussions, and make our workplaces more collaborative and ultimately more productive. Together, we can make a difference—one conversation at a time.

For more information on how to get started, check our advice here.

You can also listen in to Senior Policy Adviser Ruhel Ahmed and his top tips for encouraging open conversations about mental health at work here.

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