Mental Health at Work: 10 Effective Strategies for Managers, HR and Employees

Reading time: approx. 6–8 minutes

Imagine your team like an orchestra: Everyone plays their instrument – sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly. When everyone is in harmony, music is created. But as soon as stress, overload, or uncertainty arise, the harmony quickly turns into noise. This is exactly what happens in companies when mental health isn't taken seriously.

And it really affects everyone. A recent Gallup study (2024) shows that around 40% of all employees in Germany report increased stress and psychological strain at work. In Germany, the DAK (2025) classifies mental illness as the third most common reason for absence – and the trend is rising.

In short: Mental health in the workplace isn't a "nice-to-have," but a key success factor for employees' quality of life—and companies' competitiveness.

The invisible costs of ignorance

Mental health problems don't disappear just because they're invisible. Studies show that productivity losses due to presenteeism (working despite illness) are twice as high as the costs of sickness absence.

Engagement also suffers: According to the Gallup Engagement Index 2024, employees who feel they don't have psychological support are almost four times more likely to be job-hunting. This translates to higher turnover, recruiting costs, and knowledge loss.

Those who ignore mental health end up paying twice – financially and humanly.

Typical pitfalls in everyday working life

Many stresses creep unnoticed into everyday life.

Three classics:

1. Constant availability – late-night messages, quick replies on weekends: boundaries blur, relaxation disappears.

2. Invisible suffering – Employees perform at peak performance despite being internally exhausted. Stress remains hidden until the failure occurs.

3. The recognition trap – successes are taken for granted, appreciation is lacking. Motivation and commitment decline.

But this is precisely where countermeasures can be taken – with simple, practical tools.

Practical impulses: Targeted strengthening of mental health

For managers

1. Team Boost Check-In

   • How: Schedule a short 15-20-minute meeting once a week to discuss what went well and where things are going wrong. Use a whiteboard or Miro so everyone can contribute.

   • Goal: You recognize stress early and strengthen cohesion.

     
     

2. Spotlight success

   • How: Highlight a specific achievement each week. For example, write: "Your presentation yesterday really moved us forward."

   • Goal: You make appreciation visible and promote motivation.

     
     

3. Power break

   • How: Block out a meeting-free hour in the team calendar (e.g., 12–1 p.m.). Encourage them to use this time for exercise or relaxation.

   • Goal: You send a signal: breaks are allowed and important.

     
     

For HR

4. Resilience Lab

   • How: Offer short, practical monthly workshops on stress management or mindfulness. Tools: Mini meditations, breathing exercises.

   • Goal: You strengthen everyone’s mental resilience.

     
     

5. Safe Voice Tool

   • How: Provide an anonymous feedback form (e.g., via SurveyMonkey) where employees can report stress.

   • Goal: You receive honest feedback and can take action before problems escalate.

     
     

6. Support Hub

   • How: Create a central overview (intranet or newsletter) of all support services: EAP, external consultations, apps.

   • Goal: You make help visible and lower the barrier to using it.

For employees

7. 1-minute self-check

   • How: Take one minute every morning: “How am I feeling today – mentally, physically, emotionally?” Write it down briefly.

   • Goal: You recognize patterns and can address stress early.

     
     

8. Power Breath

   • How: Close your eyes for 3 minutes, breathe deeply, and exhale. Apps like Calm can help you stay on track.

   • Goal: You reduce stress and increase concentration.

     
     

9. Energy Sync

   • How: Observe your energy highs and lows for a week. Plan accordingly: creative work in the morning, routine tasks in the afternoon.

   • Goal: You use your energy more efficiently and protect yourself from overload.

Conclusion: Mental health affects everyone – and it begins in everyday work life, with small routines and clear signals.

With the right impulses and strategies, the invisible issue becomes visible, tangible and shapeable.

If you want your company to not just write mental health on slides but to actively live it, book a meeting with me.

In my keynotes, I show how mental health at work can become a real strength.

Book your initial call now

💭 Reflection questions to take away:

• What “traps” do you currently recognize in your work environment?

• Which of the 10 strategies could you try in the next 7 days?

• What would be the smallest step you can take today to improve your mental health or that of your team?

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