Sarah McIntosh, Chief Executive of social enterprise Mental Health First Aid England, discusses why workplace community matters more than ever.
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is community. It’s one that should resonate deeply within our workplaces. In an era marked by rapid change and increasing pressures, building a sense of community is not just beneficial, it’s essential for the mental wellbeing of employees and the overall health of organisations.
What community does
Community provides a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose. In the workplace, this translates to stronger team cohesion, increased employee engagement, and a culture where individuals feel valued and understood.
A study by Great Places To Work UK, found that 78% of UK employees believe that having strong interpersonal relationships at work positively influences their job satisfaction. Additionally, the study revealed that employees who feel a strong sense of community are three times more likely to stay with their employer.
However, research published for our My Whole Self campaign revealed that only 17% of employees felt motivated to go to work each day, 1 in 10 said they never felt inspired by their job and less than a quarter felt enthusiastic about going to work each day. On top of this, one in five UK workers say they feel lonely at work. This highlights a concerning trend: a significant number of employees feel isolated and disconnected from their roles. This can lead to decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, and a decline in overall mental health.
Current challenges facing HR professionals
Ongoing dialogue around hybrid working models, economic uncertainties, and evolving employee expectations have added layers of complexity to workforce management. At the same time, some organisations are experiencing rollbacks in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, risking a reversal in progress towards more inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces. Together, these pressures demand a more strategic, values-led approach to people management. Moreover, the rise in mental health issues among employees necessitates proactive and comprehensive strategies to support wellbeing.
The challenge lies in creating inclusive environments where every employee feels connected, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. This requires intentional efforts to build and sustain workplace communities that prioritise mental health and inclusivity.
Connected communities
At MHFA England, we know that mentally healthy workplaces are underpinned by strong, connected communities. That’s why we focus on equipping individuals and organisations with the confidence and tools to support mental health every day, not just in a crisis.
Our flagship Mental Health First Aid training goes beyond awareness – it builds knowledge, skills, and confidence so people can play an active role in encouraging wellbeing at work. But we don’t stop at training. Every MHFAider gains access to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders – England’s first and only membership body for MHFAiders. It provides continuous development through exclusive resources, ongoing learning, and 24/7 digital support via the MHFAider Support App. This helps to ensure MHFAiders are confident, motivated, and equipped to carry out the role effectively.
By supporting prevention, early intervention, and recovery, we’re helping employers not only retain talent but also create environments where people can thrive.
Tips for building workplace communities
- Cultivate open communication
Encourage regular check-ins and open conversations to help normalise mental health discussions and build a supportive culture. Our free My Whole Self: My plan for working well is a proactive tool that helps employees and managers identify what supports their wellbeing. Used alongside other, free, My Whole Self resources, it helps create psychologically safe workplaces—boosting engagement, morale, and performance by encouraging open dialogue and trust.
- Promote inclusivity
Implement policies and practices that celebrate diversity and ensure that all employees feel valued and included. This includes recognising and accommodating different cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
- Encourage peer support
Establish peer support networks or employee resource groups (ERGs) and buddy systems to facilitate connections among employees. These networks can provide informal support and nurture a sense of belonging.
Recognising and celebrating team and individual accomplishments is also an important part of building community in the workplace. Acknowledging successes can boost morale and reinforce a sense of community.
- Invest in training
Empowering employees and managers with mental health training is a vital step but it should only ever be part of a wider, strategic commitment to wellbeing. This includes clear policies, access to professional support, and visible leadership backing.
Looking Ahead
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is the perfect time for organisations to reflect on their workplace cultures and consider how they can strengthen their communities. Building a supportive and inclusive workplace is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment.
By prioritising mental health and cultivating a sense of community, organisations can create environments where employees thrive, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and overall organisational success.
At MHFA England, we are dedicated to supporting organisations on this journey. Together, we can create mentally healthy workplaces where people, communities, and business thrive.
