Why a New Approach to Mental Health in Utilities Is Needed for 2026

Every employee should feel confident that their wellbeing is supported at work. In sectors such as drainage, water and energy - where staff operate in demanding environments and often under physical pressure - mental health deserves just as much focus as physical safety.

While the industry has made progress in recent years, it’s clear that traditional wellbeing initiatives are no longer enough. The utilities sector faces complex challenges, from financial pressures on households to rising workloads and skills shortages. For 2026, a new, more responsive approach to workplace mental health is needed - one that recognises how these pressures affect both employees and customers.

At Lanes Group, we’re strengthening our commitment to mental health support across our business. Our goal is to create a culture where everyone can access the right support at the right time, whether they’re working on-site, in the field or in one of our depot offices.

Why the utilities sector needs fresh action on poor mental health

Mental ill health remains one of the most common causes of lost working days across the UK. Research shows that stress, anxiety and depression cost billions in lost productivity every year, with frontline and operational workers among the most affected.

The causes are often familiar - long shifts, difficult working conditions and the constant pressure to meet operational targets. Yet today’s workforce is also dealing with wider stressors such as financial difficulty, rising costs and political uncertainty. These challenges can increase the risk of poor mental health, particularly for those already facing vulnerable circumstances.

Utilities regulators are increasingly recognising the need for clearer guidance and supportive measures. Firms are being encouraged to improve communications with customers and proactively offer support to those struggling. But the same level of care is just as vital within our workforce. By introducing supportive measures internally - from early intervention to accessible wellbeing services - utilities firms can have a positive impact on both their employees and the communities they serve.

What Lanes Group is doing to support its people

At Lanes Group, we know that effective mental health support means more than awareness days or posters on the wall. It’s about creating genuine engagement, removing stigma and providing accessible support for every employee.

Here are some of the ways we’re building on our wellbeing programme for 2026:

• Expanded wellbeing resources: our staff continue to benefit from access to physiotherapy, wellbeing support platforms and our award-winning happiness app. The app helps us track how people feel at the start of their shift, allowing our wellbeing team to reach out quickly if someone indicates they’re struggling.
• Direct access to support: our in-house wellbeing staff remain available to employees through in-person meetings, WhatsApp or phone, offering a safe and confidential space to talk.
• Ongoing wellbeing training: we deliver regular sessions on managing stress, recognising common symptoms of anxiety and addressing poor mental health. This year, we’re adding modules covering financial wellbeing, substance abuse and resilience in operational environments.
• Inclusive, proactive leadership: managers across the business receive training to identify when staff may need additional support, to engage sensitively, and to provide guidance or referral to the right resources.
• The 2026 Wellbeing Strategy: our refreshed strategy includes taking action on lived experience and feedback from employees across every division. It focuses on early engagement, accessible services and making sure wellbeing support reaches those at greatest risk.

These initiatives reflect our wider belief that mental health support should evolve with the needs of our people, and that wellbeing is integral to safety, performance and retention across the utilities sector.

Looking ahead

In 2026, the conversation about workplace wellbeing must move beyond awareness to real accountability. Employers in the utilities and energy sectors need to offer clearer guidance, create supportive environments and make it easier for people to access help before problems escalate.

For Lanes Group, this means continuing to embed wellbeing into our culture through open communication, practical training and leadership that puts people first. When employees feel supported, they’re better able to manage stress, engage with their teams and deliver for the customers and communities who depend on essential services every day.

Find out more

If you want to learn more from Lanes Group about how companies like ours are working to improve mental health in the workplace, take a look at the following guides and resources:

• Our whitepaper “The Current State Of Mental Wellbeing In UK Workplaces”, detailing our original research into the main causes of work-related stress, the industries worst affected and what can be done to support staff more effectively
• How to talk about mental health in the workplace
• Avoiding burnout at work
• Managing the signs and causes of stress at work
• How to manage anxiety at work

If you’d like to find out more about what it’s like to work at Lanes Group, take a look at our information on working for us and our staff stories.

To see the roles we currently have available, you can explore our jobs today.