When Should You Refer an Employee for a Workplace Mental Health Assessment?
Mental health-related absence continues to be one of the most challenging issues faced by employers.
Whether an employee is experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD, ADHD, autism or another neurodiverse condition, managers are often left wondering how best to support them whilst maintaining productivity and meeting their legal responsibilities.
A Workplace Mental Health Assessment can provide clarity, practical recommendations and an independent professional opinion to help both the employer and employee move forward.
Common situations where a referral may be helpful
Many referrals occur when an employee:
- Is absent from work due to stress, anxiety, depression or burnout.
- Has returned to work but is struggling to perform their usual duties.
- Has disclosed a mental health or neurodiverse condition and requires workplace adjustments.
- Is experiencing difficulties with concentration, memory, organisation or fatigue.
- Has ongoing workplace difficulties that may be affecting their wellbeing.
- Requires support with a phased return to work.
- Is involved in a capability, attendance or performance management process.
- Needs an independent assessment before important workplace decisions are made.
What does a Workplace Mental Health Assessment involve?
At Healthywork, our Occupational Therapists conduct a detailed assessment of the employee’s health, wellbeing and work situation.
The assessment explores:
- Current symptoms and their impact on work performance.
- Medical treatment and support already being accessed.
- Workplace factors that may be contributing to difficulties.
- Functional abilities and barriers to work.
- Neurodiversity considerations where appropriate.
- Practical adjustments that may improve performance and wellbeing.
Assessments can be conducted face-to-face or by video call, depending on the circumstances.
The value of practical recommendations
A common frustration for employers is receiving reports that identify a problem but offer little practical guidance.
Our assessments are designed to provide clear, actionable recommendations that managers and HR teams can implement.
Recommendations may include:
- Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
- Temporary modifications to duties.
- Changes to working hours or workload.
- Home-working or hybrid-working considerations.
- Communication and management strategies.
- Phased return-to-work plans.
- Further rehabilitation or treatment recommendations.
The goal is to help employers make informed decisions whilst supporting the employee’s recovery and long-term work participation.
Supporting both employers and employees
Mental health difficulties can affect every aspect of working life. Early intervention often prevents situations from becoming more complex and costly.
A timely Workplace Mental Health Assessment can:
- Reduce sickness absence.
- Support a safe and sustainable return to work.
- Improve employee wellbeing and engagement.
- Assist employers in meeting their duty of care.
- Provide confidence when making management decisions.
How Healthywork Can Help
Healthywork provides specialist Workplace Mental Health and Neurodiversity Assessments throughout the UK.
Our experienced Occupational Therapists take the time to understand both the individual’s health needs and the practical realities of their role. The result is a detailed, evidence-based report with clear recommendations to help employers support their workforce effectively.
If you would like to discuss a referral or find out whether a Workplace Mental Health Assessment is appropriate for your situation, contact Healthywork for an informal discussion.
