Mental health: how can you support your employees?
In 2025, mental health in the workplace has become a strategic priority for companies. Here's a guide combining reflection and concrete action to best support employees.
In 2025, mental health in the workplace has become a strategic priority for companies. Here's a guide combining reflection and concrete action to best support employees.
According to an Ipsos survey conducted in January 2025, one employee in four (25%) reports poor mental health. A hierarchy of sectors can be observed, with poorer mental health in sectors more in contact with the public.
Facing with these facts, how can companies, and in particular foreign managers setting up in France, play a decisive role in the psychological well-being of their teams?
Understanding mental health in the workplace
According to the WHO, mental health is "a state of well-being that enables people to achieve their potential, cope with the normal difficulties of life, work productively and contribute to the community." Disorders such as chronic stress, anxiety (23% of workers according to Santé Publique France) or burn-out (affecting 2.5 million French people by 2023) are warning signs that need to be treated seriously.
CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE THE MENTAL HEALTH STUDY AT WORK IN FRANCE
Why care?
Paying attention to mental health has multiple benefits:
- Employee satisfaction: A happy employee is more motivated, involved and loyal to his or her company.
Increased productivity: A happy team works more efficiently. - Reduced turnover: Employees stay longer with a company that takes care of them.
- Reduced absenteeism: A good mental state reduces sick leave due to exhaustion or stress.
- Positive atmosphere: Fewer conflicts, more solidarity and better team cohesion.
Concrete actions to support your employees in France suffering from poor mental health
Promote caring communication
Non-violent communication (NVC) is a key tool. It is based on empathy, active listening and clear expression of needs and feelings. Encourage your managers to adopt practices such as:
- Practicing active listening.
- Encouraging collaborative exchanges.
- Valuing employees' emotions and needs without judgment.
Offer customized programs that include:
- Access to psychological consultations.
- Stress management activities (yoga, meditation, workshops).
- Ergonomic equipment for remote working.
Encouraging flexibility
Flexibility, particularly through remote working, is praised by a majority of employees as beneficial to their mental health. Adapt schedules, offer flexible leave and allow adjustments to suit personal constraints. However, implementing remote working raises crucial legal and organizational issues for both employers and employees.
Value and recognize efforts
An employee who feels recognized is more committed. Consider:
- Reward successes (bonuses, benefits, events).
- Regularly congratulate your employees, individually or as a team.
Promote career development
Help your employees project themselves through training, clear career plans and development opportunities. This contributes to their fulfillment and loyalty.
Create a positive work environment
A pleasant working environment has a direct impact on morale. Consider improvements such as:
- Bright, well-appointed spaces.
- Relaxation or social areas.
- Group rituals (breakfasts, team meals).
Raise mental health awareness
Organize information and training sessions to:
- Recognize signs of mental distress.
- Encourage employees to seek help.
- Create a corporate culture where well-being is central.
Investing in employees' mental health is not just a matter of caring: it is a strategic lever for your company's performance. By implementing the right initiatives, you will boost your teams' satisfaction, commitment and resilience, while building a more humane and sustainable organization. It's no coincidence that mental health is France's Great National Cause for 2025.
CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE THE MENTAL HEALTH STUDY AT WORK IN FRANCE
Source(s) :
- Mental health, Major national cause in 2025 (French government website).
- 7 tips for creating a work environment conducive to good mental health (Les Echos)