Why mental wellbeing is everyone’s business
Featuring Phil Shaw PGCert, PGDip, MSc, MCOSCA, MBACP
We spend a third of our lives at work, and yet, for many of us, the impact of work on our mental and emotional wellbeing is something we rarely stop to examine until burnout, stress, or exhaustion force us to.
We often think about mental health in the context of crisis, but what if we reframed it? What if mental wellbeing wasn’t just about avoiding breakdowns but about proactively creating a life where we thrive?
That’s exactly what we unpacked in the latest episode of the WorkWell Podcast with Phil Shaw, a psychotherapist, mental health advocate, and founder of Room for Therapy. We talked about what mental health really means, how therapy can be a tool for self-growth, and why the workplace has a responsibility to do better when it comes to supporting emotional wellbeing.
Rethinking mental health
The phrase “mental health” is everywhere. But, as Phil points out, it often comes with baggage - assumptions that it only applies to those in crisis or that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
Instead, he encourages us to think about emotional wellbeing: a broader, more holistic approach that acknowledges the natural ups and downs of life. He describes therapy not as an emergency fix but as a space to make more productive meaning out of our experiences - a process of self-discovery, not just crisis management.
“We are meaning-makers. We develop ways of navigating the world that serve us for a time, but sometimes, those ways stop working. Therapy helps us build new, more productive ways of making sense of our experiences.”
The workplace and wellbeing
Work is one of the biggest influences on our mental health, for better or worse. Workplaces are often structured in ways that don’t acknowledge the emotional needs of employees. Whether it’s lack of psychological safety, toxic cultures, or systemic inequities, many work environments put unnecessary strain on people’s wellbeing.
Neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.) make up 20% of the workforce, yet most workplaces are not designed with their needs in mind.
Racial trauma following events like the murder of George Floyd led to a spike in depression and anxiety for Black communities around the world. However, many companies have failed to translate awareness into real action.
Gender identity and inclusion remain an issue. The number of people identifying as non-binary or transgender is increasing, yet workplace systems still lag in providing adequate support.
It’s not just about protecting employees from harm, it’s about creating environments where people can do their best work without sacrificing their mental health.
Whose responsibility is mental health at work?
Here’s the hard truth: leaders are not therapists. And yet, many workplaces expect managers to take on responsibilities that require professional expertise.
At the same time, mental health isn’t just a leadership issue, it’s a collective one. We need approaches that empower individuals while also holding organisations accountable.
Phil introduces an idea that might be uncomfortable for some: your workplace is not your family. Many of us fall into the trap of believing that if we work hard enough, show enough loyalty, or prove ourselves, our workplace will take care of us. But businesses are not sentient beings. They can’t love you back.
““You do not have to earn the love of your workplace. Because your workplace cannot love you back.””
A healthy work environment acknowledges this reality while still creating a culture of support and psychological safety. That means:
Moving beyond performative allyship to real, sustained action on diversity and inclusion.
Investing in professional mental health support, not just relying on self-nominated “mental health champions.”
Building cultures of trust, where employees feel safe to be honest about their struggles without fear of retaliation.
Lessons businesses can take from therapy
So, how can companies do better? Here are four key lessons from therapy that businesses can adopt:
1. Psychological safety isn’t a buzzword, it’s a practice
Therapy provides a structured, confidential space where people can express themselves without fear of judgment.
Workplaces need to move beyond empty statements about “safe spaces” and actually implement policies that foster trust and security.
2. Self-awareness is a superpower
Therapy helps people understand their patterns, triggers, and blind spots.
Businesses should prioritise self-awareness in leadership because leaders who know their own limitations and biases, create stronger, healthier teams.
3. Power dynamics exist so acknowledge them
Many workplaces operate with an outdated “power over” model rather than a collaborative “power with” approach.
True leadership is about empowering others, not just maintaining control.
4. Support transformation, not just quick fixes
Therapy isn’t about providing instant solutions, it’s about facilitating growth.
Workplaces should move beyond one-off wellness initiatives and build long-term strategies that truly prioritise employee well-being.
Final thoughts
Your mental wellbeing matters. And while businesses play a role in creating healthier work environments, you also have agency over your own emotional well-being. Seeking support, especially through therapy, isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.
If this resonated with you, listen to the full episode of the WorkWell Podcast, “Mental Wellbeing: Work Well, Live Well,” where Phil, Yemisi and I go even deeper into these topics.
And if you’re looking for professional support, you can reach out to Phil Shaw and his team at Room for Therapy. They offer accessible therapy for individuals and businesses looking to create healthier, more sustainable lives and environments.
Website: www.roomfortherapy.co.uk
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Because working well starts with living well.
