As businesses across Scotland mark International Week of Happiness at Work (6–10 October), mental health and wellbeing provider Health is One is urging employers to invest in proactive support for their teams – not just this week, but all year round.
According to latest data from the Office for National Statistics, Scotland has the second-highest sickness absence rate across regions in the UK in 2024 (2.3%), meaning a total of 148.9 million working days were lost last year due to sickness[1].
Through its TimeforTalking service, Health is One delivers holistic mental health services tailored to the workplace, including counselling, life-coaching, lifestyle guidance and interventions.
Available free to employees of organisations who have signed up through the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), the service helps organisations build resilient, engaged teams equipped to navigate personal and professional challenges.
One organisation already benefiting from the programme is Renfrewshire Council, which has partnered with TimeforTalking to support its workforce.
Raymond Cree, Head of People & Organisational Development at Renfrewshire Council, said: “The Employee Counselling and Assistance Programme continues to be a strategically vital component of our organisational health and wellbeing framework. It has delivered measurable value by supporting colleagues experiencing mental ill health, whether rooted in personal circumstances, workplace pressures, or more complex psychological challenges such as trauma and PTSD.
“From a leadership perspective, the programme’s impact is twofold: it enhances individual resilience and contributes directly to organisational performance. Colleagues who have accessed the service report improved clarity, confidence, and engagement, outcomes that translate into reduced absenteeism, stronger team cohesion, and a more psychologically safe working environment.
“This isn’t just a support service, it is a critical enabler of workforce wellbeing, organisational resilience, and leadership credibility.”
Kevin McGeever, Director at Health is One, said: “Happiness at work isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic advantage. When employees feel supported, they’re more settled, collaborative and committed.
“Through TimeforTalking, we offer more than just reactive support. We provide a proactive, holistic service that supports individuals’ wellbeing and helps them to navigate life’s challenges, whether personal or professional. From counselling and coaching to lifestyle interventions, our approach is designed to build resilience, reduce absence, and provide a culture where people feel safe, valued and empowered.
“We’re proud to work with forward-thinking employers like Renfrewshire Council who recognise that investing in mental health is investing in the long-term success of their people and their organisation.”
With mental health challenges continuing to impact productivity and retention across many sectors, Health is One is encouraging Scottish businesses to explore how EAPs and tailored wellbeing support can benefit their workforce and business.
Organisations can set up a support contract with TimeforTalking to enable their employees to use the service for free. Visit the website for more information.
