Mental health issues can affect one in four people at some point in their lives. They are a major cause of long-term absence from work. Employers should promote good mental health and provide support for employees who are experiencing mental ill health including anxiety or depression.

This factsheet gives an overview of mental health issues in the workplace. It provides guidance on supporting employees’ mental health at work, including spotting early signs of mental ill health and training managers. It emphasises the importance of making helpful adjustments at work and offers guidance on providing specialist help for employees who need it.

Explore our viewpoint on employee health and wellbeing in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Use AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
  • Employment law

    Stress and wellbeing: UK employment law

    CIPD's resource on employers' legal obligations to reduce work-related stress and increase employee wellbeing. This resource includes legislation and case law, demonstrating how this issue is seen in the courts.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    HR outsourcing

    An overview of HR outsourcing, its use within organisations and its alternatives

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Succession planning

    Understand what succession planning involves, the link between succession planning and talent management programmes, and the role of people professionals in the process

  • Factsheet

    Recruitment: An introduction

    Looks at the main stages of the recruitment and resourcing process, from defining the role to making the appointment

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Contracts of employment

    Introductory guidance to the ‘contract of service’, the written statement of particulars, and varying the contractual terms

    For Members
  • Factsheets