Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work
Get the support you need now
If you are struggling with mental health at work, you are not alone—and there are clear steps you can take right now.
Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, burnout, or feeling unsupported by your employer, understanding your rights and accessing workplace mental health support quickly can make a real difference.
At The Workers Union, we focus on practical, immediate guidance to help UK workers take control of their situation.
What does mental health in the workplace mean?
Mental health in the workplace refers to how your job affects your emotional, psychological, and overall wellbeing.
This includes:
- Stress caused by workload or pressure
- Anxiety linked to job security or management behaviour
- Burnout from long hours or lack of rest
- Feeling isolated, bullied, or unsupported
- Struggles returning to work after illness
Your employer has a responsibility to take mental health and work seriously and ensure your working environment does not harm your wellbeing.
What should you do if your Mental Health is Affected at Work?
If your employee mental health is being impacted, take these steps immediately:
1. Identify the cause
Be clear about what is affecting you:
- Workload
- Management behaviour
- Working conditions
- Lack of support
2. Raise the issue early
Inform your employer or manager in writing. This creates a record and gives them an opportunity to act.
3. Ask for adjustments
You may be entitled to changes such as:
- Flexible working hours
- Reduced workload
- Time off for recovery
- Changes in duties
4. Seek medical advice
A GP or health professional can support your case and provide evidence if needed.
5. Get structured support
This is where mental health and work support becomes critical. You should not be left to manage this alone.
Is mental health considered a disability at work?
In some cases, yes.
Under UK law, certain mental health conditions can be classed as a disability at work if they:
- Have a substantial impact on your daily activities
- Last, or are expected to last, 12 months or more
If this applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments to support you.
Mental health and the law: what are your rights?
Understanding mental health and the law helps you act with confidence.
Employers must:
- Provide a safe working environment (including mental wellbeing)
- Prevent excessive stress and workplace harm
- Avoid discrimination linked to mental health conditions
- Consider reasonable adjustments where required
If these responsibilities are ignored, it may lead to formal workplace issues.
What does Good Workplace Mental Health Support look like?
Effective workplace mental health support should include:
- Open communication without fear of consequences
- Clear processes for raising concerns
- Adjustments based on individual needs
- Fair and respectful treatment
- Access to wellbeing resources
If your workplace does not offer this, it is important to take action early.
Supporting mental health at work: practical guidance
If you are currently struggling, here are immediate actions you can take today:
- Document what is happening and how it affects you
- Send a clear, written summary to your employer
- Request specific changes rather than general support
- Avoid informal verbal-only discussions without follow-up
- Seek independent guidance before situations escalate
Supporting mental health at work is not just about awareness—it is about action.
When to seek further help
You should seek further mental health support if:
- Your employer ignores your concerns
- Your condition worsens due to work
- You feel pressured, isolated, or treated unfairly
- Adjustments are refused without explanation
Delaying action often makes situations harder to resolve.
How The Workers Union supports you
At The Workers Union, we focus on real-world outcomes—not just explanations.
We help you:
- Understand your rights around mental health at work
- Draft clear communications to your employer
- Navigate workplace challenges with confidence
- Access further support where needed
Our approach is built around helping UK workers take the next step immediately.
Take action today
If your mental health in the workplace is being affected, do not wait. Getting the right support early can protect both your wellbeing and your job. The Workers Union is here to help you take that next step with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mental health is treated the same as physical health. You may be signed off by a GP.
Not always, but informing them can help you access support and protections.
You should escalate the issue and seek structured guidance to protect your position.
No. Unfair treatment linked to mental health may raise serious workplace concerns.
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