Occupational Health Newsletter

Issue 5, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Why Community in the Workplace Matters More Than Ever

Since 2001, Mental Health Awareness Week has brought the UK together to focus on mental wellbeing. This year, the Mental Health Foundation has set the theme as ‘Community’ — a powerful reminder that when we are part of a connected, supportive workplace community, we are stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

At Spire Occupational Health, we believe that workplace communities play a critical role in protecting and improving mental health. In fact, they are the front line. They are where stress can first be noticed, where early intervention becomes possible, and where a sense of belonging can help staff weather even the toughest times.

The Mental Health Landscape in the Workplace

Mental health is one of the most significant challenges facing businesses today. According to Mind, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, and in the workplace, poor mental health remains the leading cause of long-term sickness absence. Over half of all work-related ill health is now linked to stress, depression, or anxiety.

The impact isn’t just personal – it’s organisational. Lost productivity, increased absence, and presenteeism all take their toll. But the good news is this: employers have the tools to build healthier, more resilient workplaces – and it starts with creating community.

Community as a Protective Factor

When people feel part of a workplace community, it fosters:

• A sense of belonging – which helps combat loneliness and isolation.
• Psychological safety – allowing people to speak up when they’re struggling.
• Support networks – offering strength during tough times.
• A shared sense of purpose and value – improving engagement and morale.

These factors don’t just benefit individuals. They boost team performance, reduce absence, and improve retention – all key to keeping Britain working.

How Occupational Health Can Help Build Mentally Healthy Communities

Occupational health services play a vital role in helping employers support staff mental health, both preventatively and through early intervention.

Here are some of the ways we support organisations in fostering healthy workplace communities:

1. Resilience and Stress Management Training

Preventative group sessions focused on building emotional resilience, managing workplace pressure, and recognising signs of stress before they escalate.

2. Stress Risk Assessments

Structured assessments that help identify and mitigate stressors within teams, offering tailored advice to improve the working environment.

3. Mental Health First Aid Training

Empowering staff to spot the signs of mental health struggles, offer initial support, and signpost colleagues to appropriate help.

4. Line Manager Mental Health Training

Equipping managers with the tools to lead with empathy, respond appropriately to concerns, and manage mental health-related absences with care.

5. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

Immediate access to 24/7 confidential support – from legal and financial advice to counselling. Choosing a gold-standard, EAPA-accredited provider ensures quality care and outcomes.

6. Psychological Therapy Services (PTS)

For employees needing more than EAP can offer, PTS provides clinical-grade counselling and psychological treatment pathways – helping employees return to work in a safe, sustainable way.

7. Critical Incident Support

Rapid-response services following traumatic events, helping teams process experiences, build resilience, and minimise long-term psychological impact.

Community Isn’t a Buzzword – It’s a Strategy

Creating a strong community at work isn’t about pizza Fridays or team away days – it’s about embedding mental health into your workplace culture. When employers invest in training, support services, and proactive care, they send a clear message: “You’re not alone here.”

Keeping Britain Working, Together

At Spire Occupational Health, we’re proud to support businesses in creating mentally healthy communities that keep people well – and keep Britain working. As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week, we invite you to take stock of your workplace. What more could you be doing to build a stronger, safer, more supportive environment for your people?

Because mental health matters. Community matters. And the workplace is where the two come together.

Skin Health at Work: Why Prevention Matters as Temperatures Rise

As temperatures climb and we enjoy longer daylight hours, it’s important not to overlook the impact of sun exposure on employee health – particularly for outdoor workers or those exposed to UV rays for extended periods.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, and according to Cancer Research UK, 86% of melanoma cases are preventable. For businesses, this is not just a health issue – it’s a duty of care.

Why Skin Health Should Be on the Workplace Agenda

Outdoor workers – including those in construction, agriculture, transport, and utilities – are at higher risk of skin damage and skin cancer. But risk isn’t limited to the outdoors: exposure to UV through windows, driving roles, or reflective surfaces also increases risk.

Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their staff from known workplace hazards – and that includes UV exposure.

synyWhat Occupational Health Can Do

Spire Occupational Health supports businesses by:

• Delivering Skin Health Surveillance for at-risk employees.
• Offering on-site mole checks and dermatologist consultations through our clinical network.
• Raising awareness through workplace campaigns on sun safety, SPF use, and early signs of skin damage.
• Identifying risks through health needs assessments and workplace audits.

By taking proactive steps, you help reduce avoidable illness and absence, promote employee safety, and foster a culture of care. Prioritising skin health today means protecting your workforce for the long term – and that’s another step towards keeping Britain working.

Choosing an EAP Provider: Why EAPA Accreditation is Important

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are a vital part of any wellbeing strategy, providing individuals with confidential access to short-term support for a range of issues – from stress and anxiety to financial worries, family concerns, and work-related challenges.

But not all EAPs offer the same standard of care. As demand for accessible mental health support increases across sectors – including workplaces, education, healthcare, and public services – choosing a provider accredited by the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) ensures you're offering a trusted, professional service.

What Makes an EAP Gold Standard?

EAPA-accredited providers meet rigorous benchmarks for quality, governance, and clinical safety. This includes:

• Robust clinical oversight with qualified therapists and evidence-based approaches.
• Clear pathways for triage, short-term counselling, and signposting to appropriate external services.
• Data transparency, including anonymised reporting to support organisational insight.
• 24/7 access, ensuring support is available when people need it most.

Supporting Early Intervention

It’s important to understand that EAPs are designed to offer short-term, solution-focused support and are not suitable for managing complex or high-risk mental health needs. However, a high-quality EAP can play a vital role in early intervention, helping individuals access timely help before issues escalate.

If a robust clinical assessment identifies that support is needed beyond the traditional scope of an EAP, the individual will be signposted to appropriate clinical treatment pathways or relevant NHS or community services.

At Spire Occupational Health, our EAP pathway also includes access to Psychological Therapy Services (PTS) where appropriate – providing structured talking therapies such as CBT for cases that may benefit from additional support, while maintaining clear boundaries around clinical risk and complexity.

More Than a Workplace Service

While widely adopted in corporate settings, EAPs are increasingly being used to support students, volunteers, healthcare workers, and other groups exposed to emotional or occupational pressures. Wherever people experience stress or need support, EAPs can be a powerful first step toward better mental wellbeing.

A Strategic Partner in Wellbeing

Choosing the right EAP provider is more than a tick-box exercise – it’s a strategic investment in your organisation’s wellbeing culture. When delivered to a high standard, EAPs help reduce absence, improve morale, and build resilience across your teams and communities.

Whether you’re a large employer, education provider, or health organisation, ensure your EAP is EAPA-approved and clinically governed – because the quality of support matters.