Mental Health Awareness Week: How to Be Mindful of Your Colleagues at Work
Each year, Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder that behind every task list, Zoom call, and office chat is a human being - with emotions, pressures, and challenges that might not always be visible.
In the workplace, it's easy to get caught up in deadlines and deliverables, but emotional awareness—the ability to recognise and respond to the feelings of others - is a soft skill that’s crucial for creating a safe, inclusive, and productive environment.
Why Mental Health in the Workplace Matters
“1 in 6 workers experience a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression at any one time ”
Meanwhile, a 2024 study by AXA UK found that poor mental health in the workplace costs the UK economy £102 billion in 2023. This includes £26 billion lost due to sick days, £57.4 billion from reduced productivity, and additional losses from employees leaving their roles (Healthcare & Protection – Poor workplace mental health cost UK £102bn in 2023).
That’s not just a wellbeing issue - it’s an economic one. Investing in mental health support isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic business decision.
How to Check In with Colleagues—The Right Way
You don’t need to be a trained therapist to support your colleagues. Small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to check in professionally and empathetically:
1. Create space for honest conversations
Instead of a rushed "How are you?" in the hallway, try asking:
“I know work’s been full-on lately - how are you handling with it all?”
Then listen without judgment. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs.
2. Be observant, not intrusive
Has someone become unusually quiet in meetings? Missing deadlines when they’re normally punctual? These could be subtle signs they’re struggling. A discreet message like:
“Hey, just wanted to check in - noticed you've seemed a bit off lately. Anything I can do?”
…can go a long way.
3. Respect boundaries
Not everyone wants to open up - and that’s okay. Offering support isn’t about getting someone to talk; it’s about letting them know they can if they want to.
4. Model the behaviour
When leaders and team members talk openly about mental health - “I took a mental health day last week, it really helped” - it creates a culture where others feel safe to do the same.
5. Know when to signpost
If a colleague is struggling, you’re not expected to have all the answers. Encouraging them to speak to HR, their GP, or a mental health professional is not brushing it off - it’s empowering them to get proper support.
Upskilling for a More Emotionally Aware Workplace
Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates real change. At ClickHSE, we offer a Mental Health Awareness Training course designed to help individuals and teams understand mental health issues in the workplace, identify early signs, and support colleagues with confidence and compassion.
Whether you're a team leader looking to foster a more supportive culture, or an employee who wants to be a better colleague, this course is a step toward a healthier, more empathetic workplace.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s remember: we’re all human - and a little kindness, especially at work, can go a very long way.