Why Supporting Staff Mental Wellbeing with Therapy Matters More Than Ever
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environments, mental health is no longer a conversation we can afford to avoid. As burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue continue to impact productivity and job satisfaction across industries, companies are beginning to recognise that the wellbeing of their staff is not a luxury - it's a necessity.
One of the most effective ways to support employee mental health is through access to therapy. Whether it's providing in-house counselling, subsidising external therapy sessions, or offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), investing in mental health resources is not just good ethics - it’s good business.
The Growing Mental Health Crisis at Work
According to global surveys, more than 70% of employees have experienced stress levels high enough to affect their work performance. Factors such as workload, job insecurity, poor communication, and lack of work-life balance are leading to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout.
These aren’t just personal issues, they directly impact the workplace through:
Increased absenteeism
Lower productivity
Higher turnover rates
Poor team morale
When staff don’t feel mentally supported, organisations lose talent, cohesion, and momentum.
Why Therapy Support Works
Therapy provides a structured, confidential space where individuals can process stress, build coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. For staff, this translates to:
Improved focus and clarity at work
Better conflict resolution and communication
Greater job satisfaction and motivation
Reduced sick days and burnout risk
When therapy support is embedded in workplace culture, it signals that the organisation values people, not just performance.
Breaking the Stigma, Building a Culture
One major barrier to seeking therapy is the stigma still surrounding mental health. Organisations can play a crucial role in dismantling this by:
Encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing
Offering anonymous or flexible access to therapists
Training managers to recognise mental health red flags
Integrating mental health education into HR policies
When leaders model vulnerability and advocate for mental health, it gives permission for others to do the same.
Practical Ways to Offer Therapy Support
You don’t need a massive budget to make a difference. Here are some scalable approaches:
EAPs: Offer short-term therapy and counselling as part of employee benefits.
Partnerships with therapy providers: Subsidise or discount therapy sessions for staff.
On-site/virtual therapists: Make a wellbeing professional available during work hours.
Mental health days: Allow time off specifically for mental wellbeing.
Workshops and group sessions: Normalise emotional support through group formats.
The ROI of Mental Health Investment
A recent study found that for every £1 spent on mental health support, employers see an average return of £5 in reduced absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. It’s clear - the cost of not supporting mental health is far greater than the investment in doing so.
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t just for crisis - it’s a proactive, preventative measure that helps employees thrive, not just survive. By integrating therapy support into your organisational framework, you're not only taking care of your team—you’re fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient workplace culture.
The mental wellbeing of your staff is your business’s wellbeing. Let’s treat it that way.