Today’s work culture has shifted. Gone are the days when employees were seen as assets or job titles. The working world has made significant strides in recognising employees are individuals, not just workers. And when they feel supported, they bring more energy, creativity, and focus to the table. What’s more, with the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, employers understand they have a duty of care to foster a supportive environment, especially when their people are facing challenges like mental health struggles. 

 At Richmond Foundation, we’ve worked with many companies in Malta to help them better understand their mental health landscape and successfully introduce workplace practices that make a lasting impact. Here, we’re exploring real-life scenarios of how mental health impacts employees, why investing in their well-being is good for your business, and practical steps you can take to build a supportive and healthier work environment. 

Case study 

Anna was a high-performing project manager at one of the companies supported by Richmond. Known for her ability to deliver under pressure, she was the go-to person for tight deadlines. But over time, David, her HR manager, began noticing subtle changes. Anna had started withdrawing from her colleagues, her responses in meetings were less enthusiastic, and she began missing deadlines—behaviour that was completely out of character for her. 

Initially, David assumed it was just temporary stress, something that would resolve itself with time. But Anna’s performance continued to decline, and eventually, she took a sudden leave of absence. It wasn’t until her exit interview, weeks later, that Anna confided in David. She revealed that she had been silently battling severe burnout and anxiety for months. She felt unsupported and unable to voice her struggles in a workplace where mental health wasn’t openly addressed. 

Her revelation left David reflecting deeply. “Was this just a one-off case or could this be an issue affecting others in our company?” he wondered. This moment became a turning point for him and the organisation. 

David recognised the urgent need to monitor employees’ mental wellbeing more proactively. “We need to create an environment where people feel supported,” he resolved. “And we need to identify ways to improve mental health across our workforce. 

The realities of mental health in the workplace in Malta 

A 2024 local study revealed some eye-opening stats. 86% of respondents experienced work-related mental health struggles like stress and anxiety, while 67% admitted they never told their manager or employer about it. This highlights a major issue. Many employees feel there are barriers stopping them from speaking openly about their mental health. It’s a sign that more workplaces in Malta need to create environments where their people feel supported and free from judgement. 

When these issues are ignored, the impact can be costly. Companies may see an increase in absenteeism, a drop in performance, and higher staff turnover. And let’s not forget, in today’s social media world, word gets around. Today’s employees want to work for companies that genuinely care about their well-being. If they feel unsupported, they’ll leave, and that leads to costly recruitment and onboarding expenses, and worse, it can harm a company’s reputation in an already competitive job market.  

Tangible benefits of prioritising mental health in your workplace 

Investing in mental health isn’t just a feel-good initiative. It’s a smart business move that creates long-term stability and success, which can directly impact your bottom line. Here’s how:   

• Improved employee retention: When people feel supported, they’re more likely to stay. Companies that focus on mental well-being foster loyalty, which reduces costly turnover and the need to constantly hire and train new staff.  
• Increased productivity: Happier, less stressed employees are more engaged, creative, and motivated to do their best work. This leads to better performance and higher efficiency across teams.   
• Enhanced company reputation: Companies that champion mental health gain a positive reputation among employees, job seekers, and even clients. A workplace that cares becomes a workplace people want to join—and stay in.  
• Smarter decision-making:  With mental health initiatives in place, businesses can collect valuable insights on what works and what doesn’t. This data helps leaders make informed, strategic improvements that benefit both employees and the company.   

Practical tips for building a supportive work culture 

Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts by monitoring and understanding where your company stands. Data-driven insights can reveal problem areas, track progress, and guide you in launching effective mental health initiatives.  

Once you have the right insights into your people and their mental health, a number of strategies can be implemented to make a big difference in fostering a culture where employees feel valued and supported. Here are some practical steps to help you create a healthier work environment. 

• Champion work-life balance: Encourage employees to disconnect from work-related phones and emails after hours, helping them recharge and return with energy and focus the next day. 

• Distribute mental health resources: Share fliers, brochures, or videos that educate employees on recognising signs of poor mental health and how and where to seek help. 

• Offer counselling: Subsidised or free sessions on stress, time management, and emotional health can be valuable. 

• Host workshops and seminars: Invite expert speakers to carry out sessions on mental health awareness and practical stress-management strategies. 

• Create quiet zones: Set up dedicated spaces in the office where employees can relax or decompress during the day away from computers or devices. 

• Train managers: Teach managers to spot early signs of mental health concerns so they can adequately support their team members. 

Invest in the future of your workforce 

Creating real, lasting change in the workplace can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing other business priorities. But you’re not alone.  

At Richmond Foundation, our team of professionals draws on years of hands-on experience to help companies better understand the wellbeing of their employees so they can develop meaningful mental health initiatives. We equip businesses with practical tools, expert guidance, and proven strategies to make a real impact on employees’ well-being and, ultimately, the organization’s success. 

Are you ready to take the first step? You can contact the Richmond Foundation to discuss Healthy Minds Know and learn how this research tool can help your employees, and your company thrive. Learn more here: Healthy Minds Know – Healthy Minds Work