One meaningful step employers can take is to sign up to the Mental Health at Work Commitment. This free and voluntary framework helps organisations of all sizes to take practical, structured steps toward improving mental health in the workplace and creating a culture where people feel seen, supported and able to thrive.
In today’s fast-moving and emotionally demanding workplace, mental health at work has rightly moved to the top of the agenda, especially in the social sector. Staff and volunteers are the heart of your organisation. They bring passion, care and commitment to everything they do. But with that emotional investment comes vulnerability to stress, burnout and overwhelm.
What Is the Mental Health at Work Commitment
The Mental Health at Work Commitment was developed by Mind and the Thriving at Work Leadership Council, in collaboration with leading employers and mental health experts. It sets out six key standards that represent best practice in creating a mentally healthy workplace:
- Prioritise mental health in the workplace by developing and delivering a systematic programme of activity
- Proactively ensure work design and organisational culture drive positive mental health outcomes
- Promote an open culture around mental health
- Increase organisational confidence and capability
- Provide mental health tools and support
- Increase transparency and accountability through internal and external reporting
It is free, voluntary and open to organisations of all sizes and sectors. Signing up is a public commitment to showing that mental health matters in your workplace.
Find out more or sign up at mind.org.uk/mental-health-at-work-commitment
Why It Matters for the Social Sector
In the voluntary and community sector, teams often work in high-pressure, emotionally intense roles. Frontline staff and support workers manage complex situations every day. But not every organisation has an in-house HR function, and few have dedicated mental health resources.
That’s why this Commitment is especially valuable for small charities, CICs and social enterprises. It offers a practical and achievable way to embed support, reduce stigma and show that wellbeing is a priority even when budgets are tight.
The Benefits of Signing Up
Committing to better mental health support isn’t just about compliance. It’s about care. When employers take the time to talk about mental health, provide support and normalise help-seeking, staff feel valued. That leads to:
- A structured way to support staff mental health
The Commitment provides a practical framework, helping you embed consistent, proactive support into everyday operations.
- A culture where it is safe to speak up and seek support
It encourages open conversations, making it easier for staff to raise concerns and access help without fear or stigma.
- Reduced stigma around mental health issues
Promoting openness normalises mental health discussions, helping to break down barriers that prevent people from seeking support.
- Better engagement, morale and workplace wellbeing
When staff feel supported, they’re more motivated, present and connected to their work and your organisation’s mission.
- Improved staff retention and recruitment appeal
Demonstrating a commitment to wellbeing makes you a more attractive employer and helps retain valued team members.
- Stronger trust among funders, trustees and service users
A clear focus on wellbeing enhances your reputation and builds confidence with external stakeholders.
And for those applying for funding or working closely with communities, the benefits go beyond your internal team. A strong wellbeing strategy can enhance your reputation with donors, partners and the people you serve.
Aligning with Your Values
Most social sector organisations are built on values such as compassion, dignity and inclusion. The Mental Health at Work Commitment helps translate those values into real workplace action. By taking a public stance on employee mental health, you show your team that care is not just something you offer externally, it exists at the core of how you operate.
Going Beyond Compliance
While signing up is voluntary, it also supports compliance with health and safety duties under UK law. More importantly, it signals that you take a responsible, forward-thinking approach to the mental health of your team. In an increasingly people-focused work landscape, this matters to staff, stakeholders and the wider community.
Let’s Make Mental Health a Priority
Creating a workplace where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health does not need to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right structure and the right support, it can become a core part of how your organisation operates.
If you’ve signed the Commitment already, we’d love to hear about the difference it’s made. If not, now is a great time to start.
Taking the Next Step and How Roots HR Can Help
If you’re ready to prioritise mental health, Roots HR can help. We work with small and medium-sized social sector employers to build inclusive, mentally healthy workplaces. We can:
- Review your current policies and workplace mental health and employee wellbeing practices
- Help you embed the Commitment’s six standards into your operations
- Support you in taking practical, affordable next steps
Read our tips for improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
You can also use your free one-hour HR consultancy session to discuss your organisation’s current wellbeing approach. Visit our free HR consultancy page to learn more.
And for immediate tools to get started, download our free toolkit on employee wellbeing, designed to help you build practical, sustainable approaches to supporting mental health at work.
You can also watch our recorded webinar, Unlock the Power of Meaningful Mental Health Conversations in the Workplace, which offers guidance on how to have open, supportive discussions about mental health with your team.
For further insights, read our blog Empowering Employees to Discuss Mental Health at Work, which explores the barriers employees face and how to create a more open culture.
Creating a culture where people can talk openly about mental health does not need to be costly or complicated. With the right structure, and the right support, it can become a powerful part of how your organisation works and how your people thrive.
Let Roots HR support your journey towards a more mentally healthy workplace. Get in touch with us today.
