Your Career & Your Mental Health – Is Your Workplace Making the Connection?

In today’s fast-paced world, workplace wellbeing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As employees juggle increasing demands, organisations must recognise the critical link between careers and workplace mental health. Your Career & Your Mental Health in the Workplace matter.

In the recent episode of the Headtorch Wellbeing Hour, our panel of experts explored the crucial question: Is your workplace making the connection between career success and mental health? Featuring Jane Barrett (Career Farm), Susan Gee (Yorkshire Water), and Mark Lawrence (Data Driven HR), this thought-provoking discussion uncovered valuable insights on how organisations and individuals can prioritise mental well-being at work.

Why Workplace Mental Health Matters

The conversation began with a powerful statement from Jane Barrett:

Your career is a long game, and mental health should be a priority at every stage

Too often, employees push themselves to the limit in pursuit of career success, only to suffer from burnout, stress, and disengagement. A thriving career should not come at the cost of wellbeing. Instead, businesses and professionals alike must adopt a long-term approach that nurtures self-care in order to achieve ambitions.

Susan Gee highlighted the importance of embedding mental health support into company culture, rather than treating it as an afterthought:

Organisations need to move beyond tick-box exercises and embed mental health support into everyday work culture

Superficial wellbeing initiatives, such as one-off wellness days or generic mental health policies, are not enough. Companies need to foster an environment where employees feel supported daily, through open conversations, flexible working options, and a proactive approach to mental health.

The Power of HR Data in Mental Wellbeing

Mark Lawrence, a data expert, talked about how businesses can leverage employee data to create a healthier workplace:

Data isn’t just numbers—it tells the story of employee well-being, and we need to listen

Through engagement surveys, absence trends, and performance metrics, HR teams can uncover hidden stressors affecting their workforce. By identifying patterns—such as high turnover in specific teams or an increase in sick days—companies can take preventative action to reduce stress and enhance employee satisfaction.

Creating a Workplace Culture That Supports Wellbeing

The panelists agreed that leadership plays a crucial role in normalising conversations about workplace mental health. Managers and senior executives must lead by example, demonstrating that taking breaks, seeking help, and setting boundaries are not signs of weakness but indicators of a sustainable career.

Practical ways to foster workplace wellbeing include:

• Encouraging open communication about mental health.
• Providing access to professional support, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
  Offering flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Using HR analytics to continuously monitor and improve workplace wellbeing.

Balancing Career Growth and Mental Wellbeing

Career success and mental health should go hand in hand. As Jane Barrett pointed out:

A career built on burnout is not sustainable. Success should be measured by fulfillment, not exhaustion

Employees should feel empowered to pursue career growth without sacrificing their wellbeing. By taking a proactive approach, professionals can build careers that are both rewarding and sustainable.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Workplace Making the Connection?

This insightful discussion made one thing clear—organisations can no longer afford to ignore workplace wellbeing. Investing in mental health support not only benefits employees but also leads to higher productivity, reduced turnover, and a more engaged workforce.

If your workplace is not prioritising mental health, it’s time to start the conversation. As our panelists emphasised, true change happens when mental well-being becomes a core part of workplace culture, not just a corporate checkbox.

Listen to the full episode of The Headtorch Wellbeing Hour for more expert insights on workplace mental health and careers.

Headtorch – creating healthy organisations – boosting wellbeing, increasing performance and leadership development. If you would like to speak to us about how we could help your organisation and transform your workplace culture. Get in touch