How Can Mental Health Awareness Drive Meaningful Business Culture Change?

February 5, 2026 | 27m 12s

Learning: Unstructured

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating speaks with Claire Russell, founder of Mental Health in Business, about how businesses can turn growing mental health awareness into lasting cultural change. Claire emphasizes that while awareness has increased, many companies risk reducing mental health initiatives to mere box-ticking exercises. To truly make a difference, leadership must create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help.

A key challenge is bridging the generational divide on mental health. Claire points out that older professionals often believe personal issues should stay outside of work, whereas younger employees view mental health support as essential. Leadership needs to foster open discussions and reinforce mental health as a priority from the top down.

The financial case for meaningful mental health initiatives is also clear. In the UK, poor mental health costs businesses between £3.5k and £4.5k per employee annually, particularly in the insurance sector. Claire notes that by investing in the right programs, businesses can see significant returns, both in employee wellbeing and financial performance.

The MGAA is working with Mental Health in Business (MHIB) to offer resources such as regional workshops and quarterly webinars to help members support their teams and promote a healthier workplace culture.