Promoting Workplace Wellbeing in a Changing Healthcare Landscape

As Kays Medical celebrates 50 years of protecting employee health and wellbeing in the workplace across the UK, we continue to monitor the evolving challenges facing both employers and the healthcare professionals who support their workforce. Recent national findings on mental health‑related sickness absence reveal just how vital early intervention, informed leadership, and high‑quality support services have become.

Workplace Mental Health Fit Notes: What New GP Insights Reveal

A new survey reported by multiple national news outlets shows that hundreds of GPs say they have never refused a fit note for mental health concerns, highlighting how common workplace mental health challenges are now affecting day-to-day working life.

The scale is significant. Out of the 752 GPs surveyed, 540 said they had never declined a request for a mental health‑related fit note, while many voiced frustration that the current system places them in the position of both “advocate and judge.”

These insights sit against a backdrop of rising demand: more than 956,000 fit notes last year cited mental health or behavioural disorders, far more than any other reason.

Why Early Intervention Matters for Mental Health-Related Absence

New analysis shows a clear link between the duration of sickness absence and the likelihood of returning to work:

• 4–6 weeks off: around 96% of employees are likely to return
• 12 months off: the likelihood of returning to work drops to around 50%

This reinforces a well-established principle within occupational health: early, proactive intervention is essential in preventing long-term sickness absence and facilitating effective workplace mental health recovery.

RCGP: GPs May Not Always Be the Right Professionals for Long-Term Return‑to‑Work Support

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has stated that while GPs use clinical judgment when issuing fit notes, they may not always be “the most appropriate professionals” to support a patient’s long‑term return-to-work journey. [rcgp.org.uk]

They emphasise that returning to work requires specialist, work‑focused support — a need increasingly met by occupational health services, workplace mental health training, and EAP services in the UK rather than general practice alone.

How Kays Medical Supports Workplace Mental Health and Employee Wellbeing

For five decades, Kays Medical has adapted to the health and wellbeing landscape as workplaces change. Today, the demand for workplace mental health support is higher than ever — and we are proud to offer a 360° approach to employee wellbeing.

Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Kays Medical’s EAP in the UK is designed to support employees struggling with:

• Mental health challenges
• Stress and anxiety
• Personal or financial pressures
• Work‑related strain
• Crisis situations

With confidential counselling, structured guidance, and rapid access to resources, our EAP helps individuals get support before short‑term stress develops into long‑term absence.

Mental Health Training: Building Confidence and Capability at Work

Recognising that mental health support shouldn’t begin only after absence occurs, Kays Medical provides a suite of Workplace Mental Health Training programmes, including:

• Mental Health Awareness
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
• Manager and HR‑focused mental health workshops
• Training on difficult conversations
• Resilience and wellbeing programmes

These courses empower managers and staff to recognise early signs of distress, respond appropriately, and build healthier workplace cultures. This aligns directly with the RCGP’s call for more tailored, occupationally informed support for workers.

Our Commitment to Workplace Mental Health Support

As mental health–related absence continues to rise, the UK needs better frameworks, earlier intervention, and more specialised support. At Kays Medical, we remain committed to delivering exactly that.

For 50 years, our mission has been to help organisations protect their greatest asset — their people.
Through EAP solutions, mental health training, and comprehensive occupational health services in the UK, we’re here to help businesses navigate today’s wellbeing challenges with clarity and confidence.

If your organisation is looking to improve workplace mental health support and reduce sickness absence, contact our team today: [email protected]