Supporting women’s mental health in the workplace
Supporting women’s mental health in the workplace can lead to increased productivity and lower absence. By feeling supported, women are enabled to be more present in the workplace and work towards improving mental health issues that they may be facing.
Our workforce is changing, more women are now employed across most industries with a high number working in:
● Nursing
● Childcare
● Education
● Manufacturing
● Beauty
● Sales
● Customer services
Everyone can be affected by mental health issues but women are (statistically) more likely to develop a mental health concern than men (Mental Health Foundation).
Supporting women’s mental health in the workplace is a legal duty of care but your business will also benefit by having a happier and more productive workforce.
What are the obligations of employers regarding mental health
aking care of your employees’ mental health is a legal duty of care. Employers must do what is reasonable and practical to support their employees' mental health, safety, and wellbeing.
Women face unique challenges that can affect their mental health in the workplace. Postnatal depression, hormone fluctuations around menstruation, and menopause are all times in a woman's physical development that can have a direct impact on her mental health and wellbeing.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance recommends that employers include mental health in their first aid needs assessment.
By supporting women’s mental health in the workplace, you are not only fulfilling your obligations as an employer but also helping to create a positive and empowered workplace.
How do you help someone who is struggling with mental health at work
Employers are now very accustomed to making sure that they have the adequate number of employees trained in medical First Aid, but what about Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid training teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. It is a good step towards putting a wellbeing structure in place to create a culture that is a safe space for your employees to talk openly and honestly about how they feel and should lead to the right level of support from within the business.
Once you have the correct policies, procedures and training in place, it is important that you communicate this to your workforce so that they know what help they can access if they are struggling with their mental health.
How do you break down mental health stigma in the workplace?
Creating a culture in the workplace that allows employees to talk freely about their feelings and breaks down mental health stigma is essential to supporting women’s mental health in the workplace. Everyone in the workplace should commit to creating a culture that allows for conversations to take place without fear of judgement or repercussions.
Education is the key to this. There are many courses now available that can help to educate business leaders and managers in the workplace to be aware of mental health issues and how to respond sensitively if someone is struggling.
We all need to work towards making mental health an easy conversation in the workplace and support each other at difficult times. Building trust is essential to allow a safe space for employees to feel vulnerable.
If you are interested in learning more about supporting women’s mental health you can come along to our Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival on 19 June 2025 in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
This is an in-person event where we will be discussing all things relating to women, their mental health and wellbeing. Some of the topics we are covering will be around menopause, ADHD and eating disorders. Tickets now on sale.