Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

We all have days when we feel worn out or overwhelmed. You might find it tough to get up, struggle to focus, or notice tension building in your body.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Research from Mental Health UK found that around 20% of UK employees needed to take time off work because of poor mental health caused by pressure or stress. That’s why many employers now offer direct, confidential, fully covered mental health support.

Contacting a psychologist through your employer means fast help, no waiting or paperwork. If your company uses OpenUp, it’s free for you. It’s a simple way to support your mental health at work.

In this article, we’ll explain what support through your employer looks like, why language matters, and how international companies are making it work.

Need Support? How to Access Mental Well-being Support Through Your Employer

🧠 For Employees

It’s often difficult to take the first step when you’re mentally stuck. Many people wonder, “Is my issue serious enough?” or “Am I allowed to do this during work hours?”

But more employers want you to get support. They care about your well-being and want to make sure you can get help quickly, privately, and for free.

Here’s how it works in practice:

1. Speak to your manager or HR. Let them know you’re not feeling your best and want to talk to a psychologist or coach. You don’t need to go into details.
2. You’ll get access to a well-being provider like OpenUp. You’ll be matched with a psychologist online, in your own language, at a time that works for you.
3. You don’t need a GP referral. You can book a session directly, with no paperwork or waiting lists.
4. Your privacy is protected. Your psychologist won’t share personal details with your employer. Only the fact that you used the service is recorded.

As OpenUp psychologist Britt Slief points out: “What we discuss stays between us. Everything is anonymous for your employer, so you can be truly open and honest.”

A lot of people think you should only ask for help when things are really bad. That’s not true. Getting support early works best. “Talking in time prevents stress from settling in,” says Britt. “You don’t need to have a burnout to work on your mental resilience.”

Whether you’re stressed, overthinking, feeling unsure, or just want to talk things through, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse.

Why It’s Wise to Ask for Support

🧠 For Employees

Getting mental health support at work is simple. You recover faster, enjoy work more, and usage is rising.

Here are the main benefits:

1. You recover faster, without absence.

With support, you stop problems from worsening. Sometimes one conversation clarifies things and eases stress. You might sleep better, feel calmer, and regain control over your day.

2. Lower stress, stronger focus at work.

Talking things through can clear your mind, boost focus, and help you feel more energised, even after work.

3. All costs are covered for you

Employers working with providers like OpenUp offer you free access to psychologists and coaches, no forms or out-of-pocket costs.

As Britt adds: “Financial barriers often cause people to postpone getting help, which only makes things worse. Early support works best. Having these sessions fully reimbursed makes it much easier to seek help in time.”

4. An open and supportive work culture.

When discussing mental health at work is normalised, everyone feels safer. Employers who provide this support show they truly care. Teams become more connected and supportive, and that boosts happiness and collaboration. You don’t have to feel ashamed to ask for help. You feel seen and understood, and you know your well-being matters.

According to the OpenUp Impact Report (2024):

• 83% of users feel better or have fully recovered.
• 74% are more productive.
• 82% recover more quickly from mental health issues.

One OpenUp participant shares: “After three sessions, I regained control over my thoughts and felt more positive about my work”.

Or, as Britt puts it: “Mental well-being support in the workplace is a win-win. You get help sooner, and organisations keep their employees healthy and engaged.”

Mental Well-being Support for International Teams: Why Language Matters

🏢 For HR & Managers

It’s easier to open up when you feel understood. In global teams, language is crucial for good mental health support.

If a Polish employee talks about feelings in English, some meaning can get lost. A French colleague might use different words for stress. The language we use shapes how we feel and share emotions. As psychologist Britt Slief from OpenUp says:

“The language you feel in is the language you heal in.”

OpenUp supports over 35+ languages, making it easier for international teams to access help.

A manager from a global tech company shares: “After we introduced OpenUp, employees from Southern Europe began scheduling more sessions simply because they could communicate in their own language.”

Research from Deloitte (2024) shows investing in mental support pays off: for every £1 invested in employee well-being, companies get an average of £5 back through higher productivity and reduced absenteeism (ROI 5:1).

In short, support in many languages makes help more effective. It builds a workplace where everyone feels included.

Practical Tips to Support Mental Health in the Workplace

🏢 For HR & Managers

If you’re an HR professional or manager, you want employees to feel safe and supported. Here’s how you can help:

1. Identify the languages your team speaks to offer accessible support.
2. Pick a provider with support in multiple languages, like OpenUp, to help international teams.
3. Include mental health in onboarding and management training. Show from day one that well-being matters in your culture.
4. Talk openly about mental health. Display posters, share stories (with permission), and make these conversations routine at work.
5. Measure what’s working. Choose a provider that provides you with feedback and usage insights. Make sure it’s all GDPR compliant. This helps you improve support and protect privacy.

As HR director, Sandrien says in the OpenUp Impact Report: “Since introducing OpenUp, we’ve seen less absenteeism and more open conversations about stress. It’s changing our culture.”

When organisations do this well, employees speak up sooner, perform better, and take fewer sick days. These steps make workplace mental well-being accessible, regardless of language or location.

OpenUp: Accessible, Multilingual Well-being Support Without Barriers

OpenUp makes mental health support simple and accessible for everyone. The platform offers coaching, workshops, self-guided resources, and more, all in one place.

What makes OpenUp unique?

• Immediate access, no waiting list.
• Available in 35+ languages.
• Online, secure, and fully GDPR-compliant.
• 1-on-1 sessions with psychologists, lifestyle experts, and financial coaches.
• Workshops & webinars about stress, resilience, sleep, setting boundaries, communication, and more.
• Self-learning options for those who prefer to reflect at their own pace.
• ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 certified for maximum data security

Companies like DEPT® Agency, ChannelEngine, and TicketSwap choose OpenUp to make employee mental health support easily accessible worldwide.

As Letitia Louwerse, Head of People & Culture at DEPT®, says: “What we appreciate most is that OpenUp makes it easy to talk about mental health. Everyone, no matter where they are, gets support in their own language.”

The results are clear. Organisations see strong returns, reduced absenteeism, and a culture of trust and openness.

Want to see how OpenUp can help your organisation build a healthy workplace? Get in touch to learn more.

“Offering support in someone’s own language is more than a benefit,” Britt concludes. “It’s a way of recognising people, and that’s exactly what helps them feel seen, understood, and connected.”