Mental Health in Tech: Why Awareness Needs to Last All Year

Tech is a high-pressure world. Tight deadlines, constant change, and the demand for perfection can make it an incredibly rewarding - but also incredibly stressful - place to work. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) is so important: it’s a moment to check in, slow down, and remind ourselves that mental health matters just as much as hitting that next big milestone. 

At TIEVA, we’re proud to be welcoming Philips into our Leeds office during Mental Health Awareness Week to share resources, advice, and tools to help our teams manage their mental health. And we’re not stopping there - we’re creating a dedicated landing page where our clients can also access helpful resources. Because the truth is, mental health isn’t just a one-week-a-year conversation. It’s something we need to nurture, monitor, and talk about all year round. 

The Hidden Pressures in Tech 

We often hear that men are less likely to seek help when they’re struggling. In male-dominated industries like tech, it’s more important than ever to provide a safe and supportive environment free of judgement: making it okay - no, making it normal - to talk about mental health openly.

Then there’s the added layer of hybrid working. Many of us now split our time between home and the office. It’s flexible, it’s convenient - but it also means that the small signs someone might be struggling can slip through the cracks. When you only see your colleagues once or twice a week (and often over a screen), it’s easy to miss the subtle changes in behaviour that might signal they need help. 

It’s About Looking Out for Each Other 

Mental health awareness isn’t just about looking after yourself - it’s about creating a community where we look after each other too. That means noticing when a colleague is quieter than usual. Checking in if someone seems withdrawn. Offering a listening ear without judgement. 

And it starts at the top. Leaders have a huge role to play in breaking down the stigma, setting the tone, and showing their teams that people - not just performance - are what matter most. A culture that prioritises mental health isn’t built with posters and webinars alone. It’s built with empathy, openness, and trust. 

Some simple tips to start with: 

• For individuals: Find small daily anchors that protect your mental health - whether that’s a walk outside, switching off notifications after hours, or having regular chats with someone you trust. You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed to check in with yourself. 

• For colleagues: Make it normal to ask ‘How are you, really?’ - and listen to the answer. Sometimes the simple act of giving someone space to talk can make all the difference. 

• For leaders: Be visible in how you support mental health. Share your own experiences if you’re comfortable. Show vulnerability. Build a culture where it’s not just acceptable to talk about mental health - it’s actively encouraged. 
   

We’re excited to be working with Philips to support Mental Health Awareness Week - but more importantly, to build a workplace where mental health is part of the conversation all year round. 

You can find useful resources, tips, and support by visiting our Mental Health Awareness Week resource page. 

Let’s look after ourselves. Let’s look after each other.