Supporting mental health at work: why mental health training matters

Line managers and workplace leaders play an influential role in shaping mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. But some may lack the confidence and skills to be able to have open conversations about mental health. It’s important that workplace leaders are provided with the right guidance and training to be able to support their team.

Office workers collaborating at desk using laptop in modern workspace, teamwork and productivity

Why mental health matters

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health.1 It affects our daily lives and ability to function. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you may feel unable to bring your best self to work each day.¹

Mental ill health, such as depression and anxiety, is the leading cause of long-term absence. And it’s the second most common cause of short-term absence at work.²

There can be many reasons why someone may have poor mental health. Our work environment can greatly impact our mental health. In the CIPD’s health and wellbeing at work report (2025), over half of respondents with anxiety or depression said that work was a contributing factor.

Having a supportive work environment can help employees manage their mental health and feel happier at work.^2,3

The importance of mental health training

If a worker has poor mental health, it's important their employer takes it seriously.6 Managers can play a large role in employee mental health.⁵ So getting the right support from managers is essential. Leaders often want to help their teams but can only effectively do so with mental health training.⁵

Recent research suggests that training for line managers is the most valued form of mental health support across small and medium enterprises and corporates.⁴ But less than a third of organisations provide line managers with mental health training.^2,5

Providing leaders with the right training can give staff more confidence to talk about how their work affects their mental health.³ There is research to suggest that employees who perceived mental health support and understanding from their managers showed a lower risk of depression and anxiety and burnout.⁷ Being able to talk openly at work can also decrease work absences and boost morale.³

What should mental health training include

All managers, supervisors and team-leaders should receive mental health training.

Mental health training should provide guidance on how to:

listen to employees and communicate sensitively³
encourage staff to raise any mental health concerns they have³
have knowledge of mental health³
know what support is available from the organisation³
Treat staff fairly³
Understand how the law relates to mental health at work³

It’s important that leaders feel comfortable and confident to approach conversations about mental health with their staff and can offer the correct support.

Spotting signs of poor mental health

Understanding how to spot possible signs of poor mental health is a valuable skill as a manager.⁶

Not everyone will show obvious signs.⁶ But you may notice some changes in behaviour at work that could suggest someone is struggling.

Signs may include:

appearing tired or withdrawn⁶
lack of focus⁶
showing less enthusiasm⁶
increase in sickness or lateness⁶
appearing agitated⁶

It’s important not to make assumptions.⁶ But noticing changes in behaviour can indicate that something isn't quite right. Initiating an open conversation or checking in with your employee is a good start.

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