Mental health conversations in the workplace are more important than ever, and creating a work environment that promotes mental health is essential.
From Mental Health Awareness Week, we hear from industry leaders about how they build an inclusive, welcoming work environment through training, policies and everyday practices, and why this should be a year-round priority.
Mark Lewis, CEO of British Charity Hospitality Action
There are many simple and effective ways for employers to create a mindful, balanced work environment that encourages open conversations. Employee check-in, feedback research, happy walks, well-being champion delivery, and mental health assistants or employee support programs (EAPs) are just examples of reminders that hospitality workers are not alone.
Our dynamic industry brings energy and excitement, but it can also bring true demands on mental and physical health. Our mission is to help all employers embed happiness and embed it in every mind they do to make a lasting and positive impact. Ultimately, that’s because when we take care of each other, everyone will thrive.
Majid Fadra Mih, Head of Human Resources, Foxhills Club & Resort
At Fox Hills, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where happiness is at the forefront for both team members and guests. Our commitment to this includes providing flexible working patterns, generous leave policies, bespoke agreements and access to our wide range of wellness facilities. Team members are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, fitness classes and wellness programs at our resort. They also enjoy benefits such as full country club membership, free stays, and various engagement initiatives such as party and award nights. These efforts reflect our belief that a healthy, enthusiastic team is key to providing excellent service to our members and guests.
The launch of Foxhills Collection Academy provides ongoing training and resources, including mental health awareness, fitness tutorials, financial wellness tools, and welfare calendars through vitality that leadership teams actively promote to team members. We continue to build this by training 20 team members as mental health first aids. Going forward, we are launching new initiatives such as puppy therapy and deepening our team members’ commitment to well-being.
Madison Ayash, Vice President of CTW Events
At the CTW event, we believe that a strong sense of community is the basis for supporting mental health in the workplace. When employees feel genuinely connected and important, stress levels decrease, job satisfaction increases, and everyone feels more enthusiastic.
Our team building experience is designed to prove that happiness and purpose are closely related to what is traditional. The impact is amplified by providing purposeful and CSR-focused activities, such as building hygiene kits to combat global hygiene poverty.
They stimulate conversations that may not happen otherwise, create spaces for friendships to be formed, and can be invaluable when someone needs friendly ears. The team is proud to do something for greater benefits, not only feel more connected.
The power of shared experiences is not underestimated. It will naturally help to break down barriers and create an environment where open dialogue can flourish. Employees feel more vocal, listen and listen to each other, and make these activities a simple and effective way to build a culture of care in the workplace.
Nicki Kent, Human Resources Director, Central Hall Westminster
At Central Hall Westminster, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment starts with everyone involved. Our values support our approach to inclusion, guide each other in ways we communicate with our stakeholders and customers, and have always had respect and dignity from the start of employment. Training and development is a key focus, new learning platforms are introduced, and policies are reviewed continuously to ensure that they are comprehensive and relevant to the team.
Connecting teams is equally important. Beyond regular meetings, our vision is to create an environment in which all staff feel part of a larger family through authentic everyday interactions and joint initiatives. Staff-led focus groups give colleagues a voice to shape their long-term strategy and cover themes such as happiness, sustainability, and growth. It also stays connected through weekly updates, quarterly city halls, and annual magazine-style reviews to celebrate achievements and highlight more. It’s about building a culture where everyone feels seen, heard and empowered.
Helena Fitzgerald, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, National Gallery
One recent survey revealed that 43% of respondents believe that mindfulness emphasizes the value of creating an environment where people can recharge, inspire and thrive. The National Gallery embraces this idea and presents small but powerful ways to help people feel more connected throughout tea and chat breaks, lunchtime walks and yoga hours. These safe and simple team moments encourage coworkers to pause and connect, paying attention to both their bodies and minds.
Supporting mental health means giving individuals the flexibility to decide what’s best for them, whether they coordinate their schedules at meetings or share their ideas for happiness activities. By allowing your team to lead what you need, you create greater inclusion and personal value.
We will begin a collection of new event packages this May to support our commitment to happiness. Consistent with the rethinking opening of Sainsbury Wing, the package, built around four pillars of creativity, mindfulness, enrichment and connection, shows how business events can help individuals fulfillment and productivity.
Shonari Deverow, CEO of the Conference Industry Association
The business meetings and events sectors have managed to bring people together to create unforgettable experiences, but how often do you pause to take a moment for yourself? The answer is not sufficient. “We have not had a shortage of mental health conversations in our industry, but meaningful behavior is still lacking. For an industry built on connections, we are not enough to ensure that people, including our leadership teams, are psychologically safe and truly supportive. Talking about resilience is one thing.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder that caring for our people is not something they need, it is a must-have and not complicated. By taking simple and consistent steps, such as encouraging flexible, inclusive thinking and creating spaces for honest conversations, you can shape the workplace where everyone feels like they are. That’s why advocating for the welfare of advocates is an important priority for MIA in 2025. Because when we take care of our teams, the entire sector thrives.
Rafael Azzopardi, head of events at Regent’s events
Whether you have a comfortable and inclusive environment or encourage individuals to go outside their comfort zone and try out new activities, it’s clear that one size no longer fits all approaches.
Companies need to create a space that is flexible enough to support a variety of preferences, whether they provide time for mindfulness practices, physical activity, or simply time for reflection and relaxation.
Just as we coordinated the Wellness DDR at Regent’s events to offer a variety of activities and food options to meet a diverse range of needs, businesses can adopt a similar approach in the workplace, ensuring that all staff feel supported and appreciated. Wellness is not just a buzzword, but a shared value initiative, so that employees truly thrive.
Heather Vinall, Human Resources Assistant at Wotton House
We aim to create a culture where people can speak safely, supportive, and openly speak by guiding empathy, building work-life balance, encouraging honest conversations, and introducing positive behaviors.
Use tools such as mental health charters, dedicated happiness apps, and frameworks like one-on-one “my self-MOT” to encourage open conversations about mental health. These initiatives help normalize discussions about stress management, mental stress, and lifestyle, reduce stigma and ensure that everyone is seen and heard not only as employees but as people.
Mental Health Awareness Week will be held from May 12th to 18th, 2025
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