How to build a strong workplace community to support mental health

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May) is the critical role community plays in supporting mental health. In both our personal and professional lives, a strong sense of community creates a sense of belonging, connection, and resilience—factors that are essential for mental wellbeing.

Within the workplace, the benefits of building a community-oriented culture are clear. When employees feel part of a supportive and inclusive environment, they are more likely to engage, collaborate, and seek help when needed. For employers, this presents a valuable opportunity to create a positive culture where individuals feel safe, valued, and connected—not just to their work, but to each other, ultimately leading to improved productivity, engagement and morale.

Why community matters for mental health

1. Sense of belonging
   According to the Mental Health Foundation¹ , belonging to a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. When employees feel included, they are more likely to engage in positive mental health practices and seek help when needed.
2. Social support
   Samaritans  also stress the importance of community support, especially during tough times. Mental health challenges often lead to isolation, but having a supportive workplace community provides emotional and practical help to employees.
3. Purpose and meaning
   Being part of a community offers a sense of purpose that is vital for mental health. Having a purpose helps people feel more engaged with their work and aligned with their values, improving motivation and wellbeing.
4. Reduced isolation
   Social isolation is a significant risk factor for poor mental health. A workplace that encourages social connection helps combat isolation and builds supportive relationships, boosting mental wellbeing and reducing stigma around mental health.
5. Resilience and help-seeking
   Strong and supportive communities build resilience, helping individuals cope with stress. Employees who feel supported are more likely to seek help for mental health challenges, reducing stigma and encouraging proactive mental health care.

How employers can build a supportive community

Employers can play a significant role in creating a community in the workplace that can support their employees’ mental wellbeing. Here are several ways they can help:

1. Encourage open communication
   Creating a safe space for employees to discuss mental health is vital. Employers should promote open conversations with both peers and line managers, provide resources and access to support – for example through an Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and offer regular check-ins to ensure employees feel heard.
2. Build Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
   Introducing Employee Resource Groups can help to strengthen workplace communities. Such groups provide employees with a platform to connect around shared values, interests, or experiences, offering a sense of belonging and support.
3. Provide social support programmes
   Mentoring, buddy systems, and peer support groups can also help employees build stronger connections. These programmes encourage personal and professional support, creating a positive and resilient workplace culture.
4. Host wellbeing events and initiatives
   Mental health awareness events, team-building activities, and wellness challenges bring employees together. These events reduce stigma, promote shared experiences, and strengthen the workplace community.

Howden’s approach to building community

At Howden, we are committed to building a supportive community that promotes mental wellbeing. Here are a few initiatives we have implemented to encourage connection:

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): We offer a variety of ERGs where employees can connect with others who share similar values, beliefs, or interests. These groups build a supportive network and allow employees to discuss important issues.
• Volunteering days: We provide two paid volunteering days per year, allowing employees to give back to their communities, either individually or as part of a team. This initiative creates a sense of shared responsibility and strengthens people’s connections with each other and their wider community.
• Global group giving month: Every May, we come together across the world to fundraise, volunteer, and raise awareness for our local communities and the charities our people care about the most. In 2024, we harnessed our collective power and fundraised over £344,000 (including matched funding from the Howden Foundation), and volunteered over 5,700 hours to support over 420 incredible causes. This annual campaign promotes a sense of shared purpose and reinforces employees’ connection to a greater cause.
• Mental health and wellbeing programmes: We offer workshops, training, and resources to support mental health. These initiatives reduce stigma and encourage open conversations (underpinned by our Mental Health First Aider network), supporting employees’ mental wellbeing. We also offer access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and a range of benefits designed to support employees’ mental wellbeing all year round.
• Plastic detox campaign: Our new two-week Plastic Detox Challenge invites colleagues to come together in teams to reduce single-use plastic and make more sustainable choices. With over 150 people taking part across 30 teams, this initiative is all about taking shared action for a healthier planet. It’s a campaign that fosters connection through a common goal and highlights the power of small changes when we act together.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is a great reminder of the positive benefits of community and how important it is promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. By creating a supportive, open, and inclusive environment, employers can reduce isolation, build resilience, and provide employees with a sense of belonging and purpose. At Howden, we are committed to supporting employees through a range of initiatives that encourage connection, reduce stigma, and promote mental health. A strong community is not only key to individual mental wellbeing but essential for the collective success of a business.

[1] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week