How Employers Can Support Employee Mental Health: Spotting Signs of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Employee wellbeing is essential for maintaining a productive, engaged, and motivated workforce. However, stress, anxiety, and depression often go unnoticed in the workplace, quietly impacting employees' performance and overall health. Mental health challenges significantly affect the UK workforce, contributing to a large number of sick days each year.

As an employer, recognising the signs of mental health struggles and taking proactive steps to support your employees is crucial—not only for their wellbeing but for the overall success of your business.

Signs of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Employees

Many employees may be suffering in silence while attempting to maintain a strong and confident outward appearance. As a leader, it's important to be aware of subtle changes that may indicate someone is struggling with anxiety or depression. Here are some signs to look out for:

Changes in Communication

• Irritability or Increased Frustration: Employees may become more easily irritated or display uncharacteristic anger during discussions.
• Reduced Engagement: There may be less involvement in meetings, a preference for written communication, or a tendency to withdraw from social interactions at work.

Changes in Decision-Making Approaches

• Excessive Worrying: Employees may overanalyse situations, gathering more information than usual before making a decision.
• Avoidance of Responsibility: There might be a tendency to delegate tasks more frequently or shy away from taking on critical decisions.

Changes in Energy Levels

• Signs of Exhaustion: Frequent signs of tiredness, such as yawning, physical fatigue, or complaints about poor sleep, may be evident.
• Periods of Hyperactivity: Some employees may swing to the other extreme, displaying heightened energy or a burst of activity as a coping mechanism.

Changes in Work Behaviour

• More Frequent Absences: There could be an increase in sick days or unexplained absences.
• Longer Hours: Employees might work extended hours, either arriving early or staying late, potentially to avoid personal challenges at home.
• Decreased Productivity: Noticeable drops in performance , concentration or an inability to complete tasks on time.

Physical Indicators

• Neglecting Grooming: A noticeable drop in personal appearance or a shift in how employees present themselves.
• Health Complaints: Frequent reports of stress-related physical ailments, such as headaches or stomach issues.

Emotional and Behavioural Shifts

• Mood Variability: Uncharacteristic mood swings, switching between extreme highs and lows.
• Loss of Passion: Employees may show decreased interest in tasks or projects that once excited them. They may withdrawal from team activities.

Reactions to Feedback

• Overreacting to Criticism: There may be heightened defensiveness or disproportionate reactions when receiving feedback.
• Increased Sensitivity: Minor criticisms may be taken personally, or employees may react strongly to small comments.

Signs of Negative Thinking

• Self-Criticism: Employees may express doubts about their own abilities or self-worth.
• Pessimistic Outlook: A tendency to focus on negative outcomes, frequently expressing a bleak view on upcoming work or projects.

How Employers Can Help

Once you identify signs of mental health challenges, taking supportive action is crucial. Here are some ways to actively help:

1. Foster an Open Culture: Encourage conversations about mental health by promoting a stigma-free workplace. Train managers to have empathetic and confidential discussions with employees who may be struggling.
2. Provide Resources: Ensure employees have access to a range of mental health resources, such as counselling services, wellbeing apps, or workshops. For a comprehensive, evidence-based solution, consider implementing Stress Control at Home -our clinically proven employee wellbeing programme that empowers individuals to manage stress effectively and improve their mental health.
3. Encourage Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries to prevent burnout, such as limiting after-hours work emails and promoting flexible working arrangements.
4. Train Leaders: Equip managers with training to recognise and respond to mental health concerns effectively.
5. Create a Supportive Environment: Implement initiatives like wellness days, stress management workshops, or team-building activities to improve overall morale and resilience.

Supporting Mental Health is Supporting Your Business

Proactively addressing stress, anxiety, and depression in the workplace isn’t just compassionate—it’s smart business. By recognising the signs and providing meaningful support, you’ll foster a healthier, more engaged, and more productive workforce. Start taking action today—because your employees’ wellbeing matters.

Why Choose Stress Control at Home?

Stress Control at Home is an evidence-based programme designed to help employees manage stress and improve their mental health. Developed by Dr Jim White, a consultant clinical psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society, the programme is grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and clinically proven to deliver results.

Our 12-session online course combines CBT, positive psychology, and wellbeing strategies, providing employees with the skills to manage stress and boost wellbeing at their own pace, from home. Recognised for its clinical effectiveness, Stress Control at Home has been shown through independent research to deliver results comparable to individual therapy, but at a fraction of the cost.

Discover how Stress Control at Home can enhance your organisation’s wellbeing by visiting Stress Control at Home for Business.