The Importance of Mental Health Strategies in Attracting Top Talent

Public awareness of mental health is an increasingly prominent topic, with an onus placed on employers to take the initiative to support their staff in this area. 

Robert Walters' research into 'The Importance of Mental Health Strategies in Attracting Top Talent', explored the approaches employers are using to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff, and how hiring managers can emphasise their commitment to mental wellbeing during the recruitment process.

The research was based on a survey of over 1,200 professionals and hiring managers across the UK, investigating both the strategies employers have adopted and the attitudes of professionals towards mental health support at work.

Changing attitudes to mental health at work

Attitudes towards mental health at work have shifted significantly in recent years. While 92% of employers felt that awareness and attitudes had improved, only 72% of professionals agreed. Both groups, however, overwhelmingly believe that businesses have a responsibility to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff (99% of employers and 97% of professionals).

Professionals place a high value on mental wellbeing strategies when looking for a role

Our research showed that 88% of professionals consider the mental health and wellbeing strategies offered by their employer to be important when searching for a role. 

The findings also revealed that hiring managers seriously underestimate how important the mental health policies of an employer are when choosing a role. Just 42% believed that their mental health strategies would be important to candidates when considering a new job.  

Professionals place a high value on mental wellbeing strategies when looking for a role

93% of employers and 85% professionals agree that employees are more effective in their role when they feel that their mental health and wellbeing is supported at work. In addition, 86% of employers believe that effective mental health strategies can lead to fewer staff absences due to illness and 63% believe that staff collaborate better.

However, despite the recognition of the benefits, just 51% of employers currently have a mental health policy in place. 

Employers recognise the value of mental wellbeing, but few have a dedicated strategy

The survey showed that almost two thirds (64%) of professionals found it difficult to find information about the mental wellbeing strategies offered by employers. 

Employers had few channels in place to help potential employees learn about their mental wellbeing policy. Just 12% made this information available on their website and 66% only communicate these strategies internally. 

Effective strategies for supporting mental health at work

Professionals surveyed valued a range of strategies and wellbeing benefits, including:

• Support for staff returning from absence due to mental health (74% of professionals valued this vs. 50% of employers offered this)
• Training in mental health for managers (68% valued this vs. 22% of employers who offered this)
• Flexible working hours (77% valued this vs. 68% of employers who offered this)
• Formal guidance on how to approach mental health (56% valued this vs. 22% of employers who offered this)
• Anonymous assistance programmes (73% who valued this vs. 67% of employers who offered this)
• Clear communication from management that mental health is a priority (79% who valued this vs. 36% of employers who felt they offered this)

Promoting your mental wellbeing strategies

Almost two thirds (64%) of professionals found it difficult to find information about the mental wellbeing strategies offered by employers. Only 12% of employers made this information available on their website, and 66% only communicated these strategies internally. Professionals most often look for this information on employer review sites, but very few employers publish it there.

Finding staff with mental health expertise

While employers show a desire to develop mental wellbeing strategies, just 6% surveyed were actively recruiting staff with mental health training and expertise. Among surveyed professionals who possessed mental health training, only 9% felt that their skills in this area were being used effectively. Employers most often provide mental health training to HR (46%) and managers (35%), with only 18% offering it to all staff.

The challenges of addressing mental health at work

Barriers remain for staff discussing mental health at work, including embarrassment, anxiety over how they may be perceived, and concerns about career prospects. While many employers recognise the importance of supporting mental health, relatively few are actively engaged in pursuing policies to do so. Encouragement from senior management is seen as a key factor in changing workplace culture, but only 37% of professionals believe senior management at their company considers mental wellbeing a priority.

Employers and professionals broadly agree that attitudes towards mental health have improved, but there is still a gap between what professionals value and what employers provide. Developing and promoting effective mental health strategies can help organisations attract and retain top talent, improve productivity, and foster a more supportive workplace culture.

To learn more about how you can strengthen your attraction and retention strategies, explore our comprehensive Employee Benefits Guide, or browse more services designed to support your organisation’s growth and success.

Get in touch with our HR recruitment specialists for support with hiring professionals who can help drive wellbeing and engagement in your organisation.