There’s a lot of talk about workplace culture these days—quiet quitting, burnout, belonging, inclusion… and while the words are everywhere, the experience of a genuinely healthy workplace still feels rare for many people. In this blog I’ll help you create a healthy workplace culture.
So what does a healthy workplace culture actually look like? And how do we go beyond surface-level perks to something more meaningful, sustainable—and human?
Creating a mentally positive company culture doesn’t have to mean a complete organisational overhaul. Often, it’s about small, consistent steps — rooted in compassion, trust, and intention.
And this Volunteers’ Week, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on one key ingredient of workplace wellbeing: the power of giving.
Meaningful workplace wellbeing is not just box-ticking
We know that a thriving workplace is about more than policies and perks. A healthy culture is something people feel: in how they’re spoken to, how decisions are made, and how safe it is to show up as themselves.
I work with organisations of all sizes to help embed mentally healthy, neuroinclusive cultures — through training and coaching, but also through the gentle nudges that shift the everyday experience of work.
And I often return to a simple but powerful framework: the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
The role of ‘Give’ in creating a healthy workplace
Volunteering has been shown to improve mood, reduce isolation, and give people a greater sense of purpose. But it’s not just individuals who benefit — workplaces do too.
A recent report found that unused employee volunteering days cost UK businesses over £5,000 per person, per year in lost wellbeing and productivity.
When people are supported to give — whether that’s through time, skills, or simple acts of kindness — it strengthens community, connection, and engagement.
As someone who volunteers regularly in a variety of ways, I’ve seen firsthand how much this kind of giving feeds into my own resilience and perspective. It helps me bring more empathy and groundedness to my work — whether I’m coaching, facilitating, or supporting a team.
Encouraging a culture of giving might look like:
- Offering and actually encouraging use of volunteering days
- Creating peer mentoring or buddy systems internally
- Recognising and celebrating acts of generosity within your team
- Partnering with local charities or community organisations
These are all small, achievable shifts — and they’re backed by evidence that shows the wellbeing benefits of contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
Building a team culture that supports everyone
Of course, giving is just one piece of the puzzle. Creating a truly healthy workplace culture considers a range of human needs — including connection, learning, movement, and taking notice.
That’s why I created my free resource: 12 Tips for a Mentally Healthy Workplace — packed with practical, people-focused ideas you can start using straight away.
And if you’re looking to explore this further, I support teams and leaders through tailored training sessions and 1:1 or group coaching that centre neuroinclusion, resilience, and workplace wellbeing.
Because when we shift culture — even subtly — we don’t just improve the work experience. We help people feel seen, valued, and able to do their best thinking.
What next?
You don’t need to implement everything at once. But this Volunteers’ Week could be a great moment to ask:
- How are we making it easier for people to give their time or care — without burning out?
- Do we walk the talk when it comes to our values?
- And how could we take one small step toward a culture where wellbeing isn’t an afterthought — but woven into the way we work?
Want to chat about how to embed a healthier culture in your workplace?
Get in touch here.
