I attended a wellbeing event with HR professionals last week and some of the statistics shared were staggering. Research shows that 79% of employees are experiencing moderate to high levels of stress, while almost two-thirds are showing signs of burnout, including exhaustion, disengagement and reduced productivity. Work-related mental health issues are now estimated to cost the UK economy £57.4 billion every year.
However, organisations are actively looking for ways to better support their people. Of course, there isn’t a single cause of poor wellbeing. Financial pressures, AI, heavy workloads and uncertainty in the world all play a part. But one theme that came up throughout the event was the importance of human connection.
Why does workplace connection matter for Mental Health?
As our lives become increasingly digital, and more of our working life moves online creating opportunities for genuine interaction feels more important than ever. Whether through conversations with colleagues and managers or simply feeling part of a wider community, connection can reduce feelings of isolation and create a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. And when employees feel genuinely connected and well supported, they tend to be happier in their roles – and happier employees are typically more productive ones.
Why do we prioritise physical health over mental health?
We also discussed how differently we tend to approach our physical and mental wellbeing. Most people think nothing of blocking out time to go to the gym, attend a fitness class or go for a run. It’s a common part of life. Yet we rarely hear people say they’re taking an hour to focus on their mental wellbeing – I’m certainly guilty of that myself. I’ve always admired people who seem genuinely in tune with their mental wellbeing and know when to slow down and recharge.
How can mental health speakers help organisations support employee wellbeing?
Creating healthier workplaces starts with awareness, understanding and, perhaps most importantly, conversation. For organisations looking to improve employee wellbeing, tackle burnout and create a culture where people can thrive, the following mental health speakers can offer valuable insight, practical advice and powerful personal stories that can help kick start those conversations:
Mental Health Speakers to help your organisation
Jonny Benjamin MBE & Neil Laybourn
Mental Health Campaigners
Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn’s story is one of the most powerful examples of human connection in action. After Neil intervened when Jonny was experiencing a mental health crisis, their lives became forever intertwined. Today, they share an inspiring message about compassion, empathy and the impact a single conversation can have. Their talks encourage audiences to think differently about mental health, breaking down stigma and highlighting the importance of looking out for one another.
Alastair Campbell
Writer, Strategist & Campaigner
Having spoken openly about his own experiences with depression throughout his career, Alastair Campbell has become one of the UK’s most prominent advocates for mental health awareness. Drawing on his experiences in politics, media and public life, he offers a candid perspective on resilience, wellbeing and managing mental health in high-pressure environments.
Alice Law
Co-Founder & Co-Author, Unstressable
Performance and stress strategist Alice Law helps organisations understand stress differently. Rather than viewing stress as a personal weakness, she encourages leaders and employees to see it as a system that can be understood, managed and prevented. As co-author of the bestselling Unstressable and co-founder of the Unstressable platform alongside former Google X executive Mo Gawdat, Alice combines practical tools with a refreshingly honest approach to stress management. Her talks equip audiences with actionable strategies to better understand stress, prevent burnout and create healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
Petra Velzeboer
Digital Wellbeing & Performance Consultant
Psychotherapist, author and workplace wellbeing expert Petra Velzeboer helps organisations better understand burnout, stress and mental health in the modern workplace. Combining professional expertise with lived experience, she provides practical insight into creating healthier workplace cultures, improving psychological safety and supporting employee wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.
Lucy Beresford
Psychotherapist & Broadcaster
As a psychotherapist, broadcaster and wellbeing expert, Lucy Beresford explores the psychology behind happiness, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Her engaging and relatable approach helps audiences better understand the habits, behaviours and relationships that contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Giles Duley
Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
Photographer, storyteller and humanitarian Giles Duley has dedicated his career to documenting the human stories behind conflict and adversity. After losing three limbs whilst working in Afghanistan, he rebuilt his life and career, developing a powerful perspective on resilience, gratitude and purpose. Through remarkable storytelling, Giles challenges audiences to rethink what is possible in the face of adversity, while highlighting the importance of empathy, human connection and focusing on what truly matters.
Where can employees get further mental health support?
To explore booking any of the speakers featured in this article or to discuss your event requirements, please contact the JLA team.