What do we mean by Mental Health & Wellbeing?

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is about the psychological and emotional state of employees, and the efforts made by employers to support their mental health and wellbeing. This includes promoting a positive and supportive work environment, offering mental health resources and support, and addressing factors that may negatively impact mental health.

What is the Law on Mental Health & Wellbeing when it comes to the workplace, recruitment and careers?

The UK has several laws that protect employees’ mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. The primary legislation is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes the duty to assess the risks of work-related stress and take steps to prevent harm. Additionally, the Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees on the basis of a mental health condition, and reasonable adjustments must be made to ensure they are not at a disadvantage.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to undertake risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace that could harm the mental health of their employees. Furthermore, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 provide specific requirements for the workplace environment, such as providing adequate ventilation, lighting, and rest facilities, to promote employees’ mental wellbeing.

Employers also have a legal duty to provide adequate training and support to their employees to manage mental health issues in the workplace. This includes training managers to recognize the signs of mental health problems and how to offer appropriate support. It is essential to have policies and procedures in place to manage mental health issues, including a clear process for employees to raise concerns and receive support.

In summary, the UK Law on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace places a duty on employers to assess the risks of work-related stress, take steps to prevent harm, and provide support and reasonable adjustments to employees with mental health conditions. Employers must provide a safe and healthy work environment, offer appropriate training to their employees and managers, and have policies in place to manage mental health issues.

Key organisations & resources

Calendar events

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues globally, promote open dialogue, and mobilise efforts in support of mental wellbeing.

Learn more about World Mental Health Day

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

This campaign, led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008, aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949).

Learn more about International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Human Rights Day

In the decades since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe.

Learn more about Human Rights Day

Time To Talk Day

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

Learn more about Time To Talk Day

International Day of Happiness

This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.

Learn more about International Day of Happiness

Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic

Learn more about Stress Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week seeks to increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. 

Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week

National Day for Staff Networks

The National Day for Staff Networks is the world’s only nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace.

Learn more about National Day for Staff Networks

Carers Week

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Learn more about Carers Week

Samaritans Awareness Day

Samaritans Awareness Day is an annual campaign held every July 24 to underline the importance of lending an ear to those who are going through mental health problems.

Learn more about Samaritans Awareness Day

International Youth Day

International Youth Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the potential of young people, raising awareness of challenges they face, and promoting their active engagement in socio-economic and political processes.

Learn more about International Youth Day

World Menopause Day

World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. We encourage professionals and women to participate in this global awareness raising campaign by printing and sharing these materials, organising events to engage their communities, and sharing World Menopause Day social media posts.

Learn more about World Menopause Day