According to new research published by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Nottingham, strong links exist between positive business performance and mental health training for line managers.
Furthermore, the analysis of workforce practices suggests that recognising this, and acting on it, could save organisations millions every year.
The study showed a strong association between training for those in management positions and improved customer service and staff recruitment and retention. Lower levels of long-term mental health sick leave were also evident.
The researchers examined anonymised survey data from several thousand companies in England, collected between 2020 and 2023, as part of a larger investigation into workplace mental health and productivity.
Based on the findings, they recommend that employers provide mental health training to line managers and establish workplace policies clarifying their roles in supporting employee wellbeing. The team also suggested that ongoing research could explore whether such guidance increases managers’ knowledge, skills and confidence.
Inspire understands the impact that bosses can have on the people they oversee. Management comes with its own set of unique responsibilities, of course, but the extent to which a leader’s own performance affects his or her colleagues’ mental health must be considered when carrying out supervisory duties.
We offer extensive training in this area, from leadership coaching to wellbeing courses. Each programme is designed to create and maintain healthy, safe and respectful workforces, workforces in which everyone thrives.
If you would like to find out more about services and support offered by Inspire, please feel free to contact enquiries@inspirewellbeing.org.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
National Wellness & Happiness Happens Month
July invited us to pause. Through Alcohol Awareness Week and a focus on self-care, many of us took the opportunity to reflect, reset and make small changes – whether that meant becoming more aware of our habits, building in better routines, or simply taking a bit more time to look…
International Self-Care Day
In a world where busy often feels like the default, self-care can sometimes be misunderstood as a luxury – something we get to if we have the time. In reality, self-care is much simpler, more accessible, and far more essential than that. At its core, self-care is about consistently doing…
Alcohol and Me
Alcohol Awareness Week (6-12 July), returns this month with a simple but powerful focus: ‘Alcohol and me.’ Rather than telling us what we should or shouldn’t be doing, this year’s campaign is asking everyone to pause and reflect on their own relationship with alcohol, and how it fits into their…
PTSD Awareness Day
Trauma isn’t always dramatic or visible. In reality, it can come from things many of us experience at some point in life - not just rare or extreme events. It could be a car accident, losing someone suddenly, going through a serious illness, experiencing ongoing stress, or difficult experiences growing…
Men’s Mental Health Week
Every June, Men’s Health Week (15th to 21st) highlights a simple but powerful message: men’s health needs more attention - physically and mentally. While progress has been made, the reality across Ireland, the UK, and globally, is that men still experience poorer health outcomes and are less likely to seek…
World Day for Cultural Diversity
World Day for Cultural Diversity on 21 May celebrates the different cultures, identities, experiences and perspectives that shape who we are – and how diversity enriches our workplaces, communities and conversations.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) takes place from 11-17 May and creates space for honest reflection, learning, and connection, helping to reduce stigma and remind us that support is always available.
Workplace Wellbeing – “Build Belonging”
Two important dates occur in April in relation to promoting and prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, namely World Day for Health & Safety at Work on 28 April, closely followed by Ibec’s National Workplace Wellbeing Day.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal part of life – but when pressure becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to impact your wellbeing, it’s important to recognise the signs early and reach out for support.
NI Only – Room Hire Claim 1st April 2026
From 1st April 2026, you will no longer be required to fill out the excel room hire template. Instead, if you are claiming for room hire you must fill out a room hire claim form on the appointment within Penelope.