Cream HR highlights the importance of tackling burnout and building psychologically safe workplaces for World Mental Health Day

As organisations across the globe mark World Mental Health Day, Cream HR is calling on employers in the East of England to take urgent action to address workplace burnout and prioritise employee wellbeing and psychological safety.

A 2024 study found that 86% of people in the East of England feel stressed at least once a month

Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by YouGov found that the risk of burnout remains prevalent, with one in three (34%) adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress ‘always’ or ‘often’. Meanwhile, nine in 10 (91%) experienced high pressure or stress at some point over the last year. 

High levels of stress often lead to burnout, which is characterised by chronic exhaustion, disengagement, and reduced performance, and is now one of the most common challenges facing employees. Left unaddressed, it not only impacts individual mental health but also affects business productivity, retention, and culture.

Anthony Sutton, Managing Director of Cream HR, said: “Burnout is not just an individual issue, it’s an organisational one. Employers play a critical role in shaping environments where employees feel supported, heard, and able to speak up without fear. This is what psychological safety is all about, and it’s a foundation for both well-being and performance.”

Cream HR believes that employers must go beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives such as having a fruit bowl, generic wellbeing apps and token gestures on awareness days and should instead be focusing on systemic changes.

Anthony continues “Whilst offering fruit and one off well-being days are all well and good things that will really make a difference to the mental health of employees are things like creating an open and blame free environment where people feel able to share concerns. It’s also about training managers to recognise burnout and also encouraging sustainable ways of working by offering flexibility and ensuring workloads are realistic. Finally, and maybe most importantly listen to employees, find out what they think and want through surveys and focus groups, but don’t just ask actually take action on what they say, this makes people feel valued and understood.

This World Mental Health Day underscores the urgency of addressing mental health at work as a priority. While HR can provide the frameworks and expertise, genuine progress depends on senior leaders committing to cultures that actively safeguard wellbeing and prevent burnout.

Cream HR continues to support organisations in building inclusive, resilient, and psychologically safe workplaces where people and businesses can thrive. To find out more visit www.creamhr.com

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Editors notes

Cream HR deliver world-class solutions to your people challenges, adding value and helping you to focus on your business. People are the most important investment in any business. It doesn't matter what you do. Even in a world where Artificial Intelligence is taking centre stage, it’s the people bit that matters most. Cream HR is all about adding value to your business through your people, whether by - • Helping you manage employee challenges through the effective application and interpretation of Employment Law, to minimise the risk to your business. • Developing structures, processes, and environments to get the best out of your people, creating fully engaged high performance teams. • Delivering bespoke training workshops and follow up, resulting in engaged, energised delegates. • Recruiting the right people for your organisation through the application of the law of crappy people and many years’ experience