Supporting Minds at Work: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, it's more important than ever to pause, reflect, and take action. This year’s theme, “Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health,” underscores the powerful connection between physical activity and emotional well-being—a message that resonates strongly in today’s workplace landscape.
At Cadagio, we recognise that mental health isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a workplace priority. Employers play a pivotal role in shaping environments where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive. This week offers an opportunity to champion that commitment.
Why Mental Health at Work Matters
The statistics are sobering: One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. Yet, stigma and silence remain common, especially in professional settings. Poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and high turnover—costing UK businesses billions annually.
But the conversation is changing.
Progressive employers are no longer asking if they should support mental health—they're asking how they can do it better.
The Role of Movement in Mental Wellness
This year’s theme invites us to think about simple, accessible ways to boost mental health through movement—whether it’s a lunchtime walk, stretch breaks between meetings, or offering yoga classes on-site.
Encouraging movement at work doesn’t require a gym. It requires culture.
Promote micro-breaks: Encourage staff to step away from screens, stretch, and breathe.
Model the behavior: Leaders who walk the talk (literally) set a powerful example.
Reimagine meetings: Try walking meetings or standing catch-ups to break the monotony.
What HR Leaders Can Do
As HR professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to embed mental health into the fabric of workplace culture. Here are key ways to make a lasting impact:
Policy with purpose: Review your mental health policies to ensure they are inclusive, current, and actionable.
Training & awareness: Equip managers with the tools to spot early signs of distress and respond with empathy.
Normalise conversations: Create safe spaces where mental health is discussed without fear or stigma.
Offer flexible support: Hybrid working, mental health days, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) aren’t perks—they're essentials.
This Week, and Every Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is more than a calendar event—it’s a call to action. Let’s use this moment to build momentum, break the stigma, and bring mental health to the forefront of workplace wellbeing.
If your organisation is looking to create or strengthen a mental health strategy, we’re here to help. At Cadagio, we partner with forward-thinking employers to create people-first cultures where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.