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Designing good work

Create a safe and supportive environment that protects mental health.

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Suggested Actions

Make it safe across the organisation for people to talk openly about mental health at work and support each other

Agree how managers and colleagues should respond when someone speaks up, and make sure support and escalation routes are understood before they are needed.

Make it clear that confidentiality is expected and respected

Explain what will be kept private, when information may need to be shared and who should have access, avoiding promises of absolute confidentiality.

Provide people with access to private spaces such as wellbeing and / or quiet rooms where possible

Identify spaces that can be used without drawing unwanted attention and make access arrangements clear to employees.

Enable additional time out during the working day to support mental health where needed

Discuss what type and length of time out would be helpful, how urgent work will be covered and when the arrangement should be reviewed.

Set clear expectations across the workforce that people treat each other with respect and consideration

Translate the expectation into clear standards for meetings, communication and everyday conduct, and address disrespectful behaviour consistently.

Help people feel comfortable choosing what they share about their mental health without pressure or judgement

Let the individual control the level of personal detail shared wherever possible and focus conversations on work impact and support needs.

Actively encourage and support safe discussions around mental health at work

Set ground rules, use trained facilitators where appropriate and never require employees to disclose personal experiences in a group setting.

Create a sense of belonging by making sure work suits different people and everyone can be themselves at work

Ask different groups what helps or prevents belonging and use their feedback to improve environments, practices and working relationships.

Resources & Downloads

How Employers Can Support Colleagues in light of the Far-Right Marches
Racism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate and discrimination are unacceptable — and they cause serious, lasting harm to people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Meaningfully supporting trans, inter-sex and non-binary colleagues after the UK Supreme Court Ruling

Trans rights are human rights. Regardless of external rulings, The Leeds Mindful Employer Network stands with everyone’s right to be their authentic self.
How employers can support colleagues and communities in light of the racist violence happening across the UK
In light of the horrifying racist riots and violence happening across the UK, including in Leeds, we wanted to gather some information to help workplaces better support their colleagues and communities.
Championing women's health at work - CIPD Webinar
In recent years, we’ve seen progress amongst organisations with supporting those with menopause symptoms at work. However, this isn’t the case across the board and more can be done to create truly supportive cultures.
Menopause at work - CIPD

Menopause shouldn’t be a taboo, and everyone should feel they can have a conversation with their line manager, especially when they need guidance and advice.
Employee Engagement Survey Results UK 2025 - Engage for Success

The report presents findings from the 2025 Engage for Success Annual Survey, conducted in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, examining employee engagement across the UK workforce.
Creating a supportive environment at work - ACAS

If workers feel they can talk openly about mental health, problems are less likely to build up. As an employer, you should create an environment where workers feel able to talk openly about mental health.
Employee Financial Wellbeing signs and support - LMEN

With the festive season bringing extra financial strain, the risk of unsafe borrowing rises.

Supporting workforce with financial wellbeing - Leeds Credit Union blog

The Cost of Living continues to have an impact on people across the UK. We know that financial stress and worry can have an impact on our mental health.
Supporting Racial Equity in your workforce - insights by Workforce Race Equality Standard Expert
23rd – 29th September is National Inclusion Week, an event dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces.
Increasing Employee Wellbeing Engagement without Increasing Budgets - Joy Junction
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you look at your engagement data for a high-spend wellbeing platform? I know I have.
Health and wellbeing at work
Creating a healthy, supportive workplace is one of the most effective ways you can retain staff, reduce sickness absence and help employees with additional health needs to feel valued, safe and perform at their best.

The Toolkit

Illustration of a lady wearing a blue jumper and glasses speaking with a man, whilst taking notes
Theme
Leading the Way

Engaging with your employees to increase their awareness of mental health in the workplace is a priority.

See all Tasks
Illustration of a lady wearing a blue jumper and glasses holding up a list of actions with a blue tick next to them
Theme
Designing Good Work

Help your employees to understand their role in positive mental wellbeing. Help build confidence in your team and reduce stigma.

See all Tasks
Illustration of a lady wearing a blue jumper and glasses with her hand raised, a checkmark hovers above
Theme
Supporting your People

Implement a solid approach to prevent bullying & discrimination and use sustainable methods to support employees.

See all Tasks

Get Involved

Leeds Mindful Employer Network

The Leeds Mindful Employer Network brings local employers together to champion positive mental health at work. The Network is unique to Leeds, putting the city at the forefront of workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Mindful Employer

Becoming a Mindful Employer opens your business and staff up to a bunch of benefits. From quarterly peer support events to learn and newsletters and bulletins to keep you informed to local training, tools and resources.