Client Connect: HR leaders unite to tackle workplace mental health

From the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) to the impact of mental health in the workplace and evolving employment legislation, HR leaders are navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

They're also having to balance rising employee expectations – particularly around flexible working practices and health and wellbeing support – with greater scrutiny on finances, value and return on investment from senior managers and boards.

At the same time, recent reports like the Keep Britain Working Review[1] and Vitality's 10 Years of Britain's Healthiest Workplace report[2] have shone a light on some of the longstanding health issues affecting the UK workforce and their impact on productivity.

A day of learning and collaboration

It's against this backdrop that Vitality brought together HR professionals from across a range of different sectors and organisations for its second Client Connect event.

Hosted at an exclusive venue in Oxfordshire, the event provided a valuable opportunity for learning, collaboration and sharing best practice.

It was also a chance for those working in the people function to spend a day out of the office and network with their peers in a relaxed and informal setting.

The event is part of Vitality's longstanding commitment to supporting businesses to get the most out of their health and wellbeing benefits, through a combination of education, workshops and coaching, alongside relevant Business and Corporate Health Insurance solutions.

Moving the dial on workplace mental health

With nearly two-thirds of workers citing poor mental health as having impacted their productivity[3], and mental health conditions cited as one of the reasons for sickness absence in 2025[4], addressing these challenges in the workplace has never been more important. That's why Vitality chose this as the theme of the day.

The event opened with a keynote from Dr Rishi Patel, Clinical Operations Director at Vitality, who explored the changing healthcare landscape and delved into the implications for employers.

Attendees also heard a powerful and deeply personal account from mental health advocates Jonny Benjamin MBE and Neil Laybourn.

Sharing the story of how Neil intervened during Jonny’s mental health crisis – as shown in the Channel 4 documentary 'Stranger on the Bridge' – the pair highlighted the life-changing role of compassion and simple human interaction.

The conversation continued with a panel discussion on mental health support strategies in the workplace, hosted by Claire Blain, Director of Corporate Retention and Engagement at Vitality.

Claire was joined by Yetunde Bankole, Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Vitality, alongside HR leaders from Silverstone – home of the British Grand Prix.

Together, the panel looked at how the team at the historic racing circuit supports the mental wellbeing of its staff, with help from Vitality.

"It's been a brilliant day with fantastic speakers and great energy"

Gary Impett, Director of Corporate Business at Vitality

Shared challenges, shared solutions

For attendees, the day served as a valuable reminder about the importance of proactive mental health and wellbeing support.

Laura Littley, Associate HR Business Partner at Newmark, a global commercial real estate advisory firm, said: “The key thing I've taken away is that, when we look at prevention, we need to move into a world that is more proactive than reactive.

“When it comes to wellbeing, small, everyday measures can make a meaningful difference,” she added.

For Paul Simpson, Senior Director of Payroll and People Operations at fashion retailer Ralph Lauren, the conversation between Jonny and Neil “was a simple reminder about how our words can really impact people and their lives.

“The insights shared by Dr Rishi were also incredibly valuable,” Paul added.

Keeping mental health high on the agenda

Reflecting on the day, Gary Impett, Director of Corporate Business at Vitality, said the event highlighted the importance of keeping mental health at work high on the agenda.

“It's been a brilliant day with fantastic speakers and great energy,” he said. “We hope clients left with a better understanding of the important role prevention can play in supporting workforce wellbeing and also the breadth of support available to their employees,” Gary added.

For Claire, the event was a good reminder that, while each organisation is different, “we're all facing many of the same challenges.

“Events like Client Connect create an opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences and explore solutions that can help businesses and their people thrive,” Claire concluded.

Related: Gary Impett on key workplace trends