Making Mental Health a Priority—Not Just an Afterthought

Written by Mark Thorpe, Head of Thought Leadership

As a business, we are proud supporters of Mental Health Awareness Week—not just in words but in action. Every day, we all face challenges, big and small, and staying mentally well isn’t a passive endeavour. It requires engagement, self-awareness, and meaningful solutions when problems arise.

It’s easy to say ‘we are a people business.’ But this isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a truth we must live by. In the rush of daily tasks and responsibilities, we can lose sight of ourselves, neglecting that crucial ‘check-in’ to assess how we truly feel. The same applies to our colleagues—supporting one another isn’t just about looking out; it’s about fostering a workplace culture where asking, “How are you, really?” is the norm, not the exception.

Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a powerful reminder—it’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and recommit to prioritising well-being. It’s also a wake-up call for businesses: mental health must never be treated as an annual event, but as a fundamental pillar of how we operate. Our People & Culture team ensures we actively support our teams with policies that make a difference, but true progress demands that mental well-being becomes ingrained in everyday thinking—not just when challenges arise.

Imagine a future where Mental Health Awareness Week wasn’t necessary—where every company had built a lasting framework for well-being, and where mental health wasn’t reactive but continuously improved. That’s the vision we should strive for. And it starts now.