Occupational health is normally something we associate with physical conditions like injuries, or back pain – or even hazards in the workplace. Today’s working world looks different to the working world of the past – it’s where stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. This means occupational health now has just as strong a focus on mental health too.
Employers are beginning to understand that supporting mental health in the workplace isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a legal and ethical responsibility, and one that actually supports their business in the long run too.
Here at The Health Suite in Leicester, our occupational health professionals offer a confidential, specialist service to help employees and organisations manage and support mental health in a structured, compassionate, and effective way.
The Workplace And Mental Health
Conversation surrounding mental health has come a long way from being something people kept to themselves, to something people are comfortable being open and honest about. For many, however, it still feels difficult to talk about – especially at work.
There are times, however, when you might not even be sure if what you’re feeling counts as a mental health issue, or you’re worried about the stigmas associated with certain mental health conditions.
You have to remember that mental wellbeing is a spectrum, people are affected differently, by different conditions, at different life stages – in other words, it just depends. It could be daily stress and anxiety or even clinical depression or trauma-related illness – mental health challenges are one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK.
When these issues aren’t addressed, it not only impacts your working life but everything outside of it too – your relationships, physical health, and long-term recovery.
This is why occupational health is important.
What Is Occupational Health & How Does It Help?
Occupational health focuses on the relationship between one’s health and their work.
Occupational health professionals are trained to:
- Examine & assess how your mental health symptoms affect your job
- Provide advice on returning to work after MH absence
- Give you guidance on workplace adjustments to support recovery
- Help your employer understand your needs without breaching your confidentiality
- Signpost you to further support or clinical care when needed
It’s not therapy. It’s not HR. It’s a neutral, medically informed service to help ensure that work doesn’t make your condition worse – and, where possible, becomes part of the solution.
What Mental Health Issues Does Occupational Health Help?
Occupational Health supports a diverse range of mental health challenges, including:
- Stress related to work
- Generalised anxiety
- Periods of low mood or episodes of clinical depression
- Exhaustion or burnout
- PTSD
- Difficulties with adjusting
- Chronic MH diagnoses
You don’t have to have a formal diagnosis yet; you can still benefit from an occupational health referral for mental health. This is especially true if symptoms are affecting your attendance, performance or confidence at work.
What Happens During an Occupational Health Assessment?
Whilst the idea of a medical assessment can sound daunting or intimidating, it’s usually a friendly and supportive process – and it’s also non-judgemental if this is something that worries you.
If you get referred for an occupational health mental health assessment, this is what you can expect:
You’ll talk to a specialist about how your mental health affects your work, and they’ll ask about your current symptoms – including how long they’ve been going on, and what aspects of your role are impacted. It could be focus, communication, fatigue or coping with pressure etc.
They’ll also discuss any medication you’re taking or treatments you’ve tried. Then they’ll move on to how your employer can support you – for example, with temporary adjustments, a phased return or even reduced work duties for a while.
This discussion is treated with full medical confidentiality, and any report shared with your employer will focus on function and support, not your private diagnosis.
How Can Occupational Health Help Me Stay in Work?
Mental health doesn’t have to mean time off. For many people, staying in work – with the right support – can be an important part of recovery.
Occupational health can help you stay in work through:
- Recommending realistic and practical adjustments (e.g., hybrid working, reduced workload, flexible hours)
- Supporting phased returns after mental health-related absence
- Advising on workload expectations or role modifications
- Encouraging open, professional conversations with your employer –without oversharing
- Providing reassurance
Sometimes, well-being is as simple as knowing that someone understands what you’re going through and can advocate for your well-being.
What Are Reasonable Adjustments?
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are legally obligated to make reasonable adjustments if a mental health condition qualifies as a disability. But even if it doesn’t, many good employers will still want to help.
Common workplace adjustments include:
- Adjusted start or finish times
- Quiet spaces or reduced noise levels
- Time off work for appointments/therapy
- A reduced workload or fewer responsibilities
- More check-ins with your manager
- More flexible deadlines or targets
- Working from home (full or hybrid)
Occupational health can also assess which of these options are most suitable, depending on your role and condition, so they can ensure the recommendations are clearly explained to your employer.
How Does Occupational Health Differ from HR or Your GP?
- GPs focus on diagnosis and treatment, but often lack detailed knowledge of your job role. Fit notes from GPs can be general and may not advise specific adjustments.
- HR handles workplace policies but isn’t medically trained, and can’t offer confidential clinical insight.
- Occupational Health bridges the gap. It understands both health and work. Reports are specific to your job, confidential, and designed to help you stay in work or return safely.
This means it’s among the most effective tools for addressing and supporting mental health in the workplace.
Confidential. Compassionate. Professional.
At The Health Suite Leicester, we offer independent occupational health services that prioritise your privacy and wellbeing. We’re not part of your employer; we have our team who act like a neutral, clinical resource that supports you in a way that’s medically appropriate and relevant to your work.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to wait for a crisis point to seek support.
You Deserve Support at Work – For Your Mind, Not Just Your Body
Are you experiencing difficulties at work due to mental health, or if you’re returning after a period of absence – occupational health can help make that transition safer and more manageable.
Reach out to our team today at The Health Suite in Leicester – or book an appointment to learn more about how occupational health can support your mental wellbeing, with respect, understanding and clarity.
