From awareness to action: Helping your team build mental fitness
29 Apr. 2026
By Miriam Mintz, Clinical Supervision Manager, Able Futures: Access to Work Mental Health Support Service.
Overseeing support for hundreds of people each year through
Able Futures, I see firsthand how the workplace environment can impact someone’s mental wellbeing. In today’s climate of uncertainty and real world pressures, many employers are moving beyond simply raising awareness of mental health and are firmly focussing on building their team’s mental fitness.
With
Stress Awareness Month underway, it feels especially important to recognise that resilience is not about being stoic or pushing on harder. It begins with self-compassion and the right support around you. For smaller organisations, those SMEs that don’t wield large HR teams and budgets, providing the right support can feel daunting. Fear not. Resilience isn’t built through grand programmes; it’s developed through everyday habits, culture, and communication. These are the foundations I believe make the biggest difference to people’s resilience and wellbeing at work.
Get the basics right
Resilience begins with the fundamentals. If someone isn’t sleeping well, eating properly, staying hydrated or moving their body, they’re not going to feel well. These are always the first things we check with Able Futures’ participants. Employers can support this by modelling realistic expectations, encouraging breaks, and making wellbeing a normal part of everyday conversation rather than an add‑on.
Having clear HR policies in place, including the willingness to make reasonable adjustments to aid people’s working lives, will also give colleagues’ clarity of expectations and show your door is open when needed.
Build psychological safety
People can only ask for help if they feel comfortable doing so. Think check-ins, not check lists; genuine curiosity about how people are coping, not just whether they’re delivering. If someone’s behaviour changes, approach it human first and ask: “What’s going on? Is there anything I can do to support?” rather than jumping straight to performance management.
Spot the early signs
You don’t need clinical training to notice when someone is struggling. Look for withdrawal, uncharacteristic mistakes, emotional reactions, increased sick days, reduced reliability, or changes in communication. These shifts often appear long before someone reaches burnout and allow for preventative strategies before a cure is needed.
Help people focus on what they can control
One of the tools we suggest to Able Futures’ participants involves circles of control. Identifying what’s within your control to influence, and what sits beyond your scope. This helps people move from overwhelm to action. When it feels like an uncontrolled wave is crashing over you, breaking down issues into manageable pieces and developing even simple first steps to face them can restore a sense of agency and control.
Communicate clearly
In an uncertain world, anchor people with clear expectations and information. People need to understand their responsibilities, their role, and where to access help. You may not have all the answers but having an authentic, transparent approach and keeping people updated on business news and next steps creates predictability and engenders trust.
Signpost to support
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) do not have infinite resources, nor can employers fix everything for their staff. However, knowing what help is available to your industry sector or in your geographic area is an easy win. Build a support directory and communicate it freely to your teams. Liaise with other small business owners, enlist the advice of trade bodies, and research externally funded support services, like Able Futures. Some suggestions are listed below.
Resilience isn’t about expecting people to toughen up. It’s about creating the conditions where people can not only cope but adapt and thrive and SMEs are perfectly placed to do this through every day, human‑centred leadership.
Where to find additional support:
Helping workers have more good days with support for issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
CiC Wellbeing provide high-quality, person-centred clinical care that puts individuals first. By partnering with workplaces, they deliver clear, accessible services designed to meet the unique needs of every team.
Provides information, advice and advocacy for people with caring responsibilities, helping them balance work and care.
ADHD UK
Offers guidance, resources and peer support for adults and families affected by ADHD, including workplace focused information.
StepChange Debt Charity
Provides free, confidential debt advice and practical plans to help people manage financial stress and regain stability.
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