As Time to Talk Day (6th February 2025) approaches, businesses have a timely opportunity to reflect on their role in supporting employee mental health. Beyond being the right thing to do, ensuring staff wellbeing is also a key responsibility under Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) frameworks, global sustainability commitments, and UK company law.
Mental Health in ESG & Sustainability Reporting
Investors, regulators, and stakeholders increasingly expect businesses to address mental health and wellbeing as part of their ESG commitments. Frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly link employee wellbeing to business sustainability.
- GRI 403: Occupational Health & Safety highlights the need for businesses to protect employees from workplace-related physical and mental health risks.
- UN SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) encourages companies to create environments that promote mental resilience and provide access to support.
- UN SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) links fair working conditions, wellbeing, and productivity, reinforcing that a mentally healthy workforce drives sustainable business success.
Legal Responsibilities Under UK Company Law
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, UK employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees’ health—including mental health. The Equality Act 2010 also requires reasonable adjustments for employees experiencing mental health conditions that could qualify as disabilities. Failure to act not only affects workplace culture but could also lead to legal risks.
Embedding Mental Health into Business Strategy
To align with ESG principles and legal responsibilities, businesses should take a proactive approach by:
- Creating open cultures where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.
- Providing training for managers to recognise and support mental health issues.
- Offering Employee Assistance Programmess (EAPs) or mental health support services.
- Monitoring wellbeing metrics in ESG reporting to track progress.
The Business Case: Wellbeing Equals Performance
Investing in employee mental health isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a thriving, engaged workforce. Companies that prioritise wellbeing see higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and stronger retention rates. With ESG reporting now a key factor in investment and corporate reputation, businesses that neglect mental health risk falling behind.
Get in touch if you would like to learn more about how you can better support employees and strengthen your sustainability programme. If you are already offering great support services to staff, are you communicating it effectively enough, strengthening your employer brand and getting credit for your commitments? Contact us: hello@greencirclesolutions.co.uk