Mental health in the workplace: burnout, psychosocial risks and warning signs, how to act now?
One in four employees reports poor mental health. The government has extended the National Cause initiative into 2026. The time for waiting is over; now is the time to act.
By 2025, the government has placed mental health at the top of its priority list. Major National Cause, and has decided to renew this commitment in 2026. This strong political signal reflects a reality that HR directors, managers, and HSE officers experience daily: psychological distress at work is no longer just a topic of discussion. It is a documented, measurable occupational risk that directly impacts absenteeism, productivity, and the attractiveness of your company.
This article provides you with the official figures, concrete levers for action and Medisur solutions to move from awareness to effective prevention.
Why 2025-2026 marks a turning point for businesses
Mental health has been designated Great National Cause 2025 by the government, then officially renewed in 2026 under the label "Let's Talk About Mental Health!". In two years, these are more than 3,000 events And over 900 certified actions which were organized throughout the French territory.
This context creates strong expectations on the part of employees and public authorities: The company must now get involved. Training managers to identify psychosocial risks is explicitly part of the government's 2026 priorities. It is no longer a CSR option, but a component of the employer's responsibility under Article L.4121-1 of the French Labor Code. To learn more, discover our training courses on the prevention of psychosocial risks.
«Mental health in the workplace is still too often addressed in an emergency, after a burnout has been declared. Prevention means acting on risk factors before the situation becomes irreversible. Training, raising awareness, and measuring: these three actions are within reach of any organization, regardless of its size.»
Burnout: the figures your management can no longer ignore
Burnout, or professional exhaustion, is not simply a passing fatigue. It is characterized by intense emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a loss of the sense of effectiveness. And its consequences are serious for both individuals and organizations.
Warning signs to look out for in your teams
Burnout doesn't happen overnight. It develops gradually, often masked by behaviors that managers and colleagues struggle to identify. Here are the warning signs:
- Persistent chronic fatigue, even after the weekend or holidays
- Cynicism and gradual disengagement from work
- Increased irritability, unusual relationship difficulties
- Decreased concentration and increased errors
- Repeated absenteeism or, conversely, excessive presenteeism
- Social withdrawal and isolation within the team
- Sleep disorders or somatization (headaches, backaches, stomach aches)
The 6 categories of psychosocial risk factors (PSR)
The INRS identifies six risk categories that contribute to the development of burnout and psychosocial risks: work overload or underload, lack of autonomy, poor workplace relationships, value conflicts, job insecurity, and the blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life. These factors are cumulative: the more they accumulate, the higher the risk of burnout. Our Mental well-being at work workshop specifically address these six dimensions with your teams.
What your company can actually implement
The good news: addressing mental health in the workplace doesn't require a revolution. It simply requires a structured approach, formats tailored to your operational reality, and an expert partner who understands your constraints.
🗺️ The 5 steps to an effective prevention approach
Medisur solutions dedicated to mental health in the workplace
For the past 10 years, Medisur has supported over 3,500 companies in implementing health prevention programs. In the area of mental health, our offering covers the entire spectrum, from awareness-raising to certified training.
Program of 3 interactive webinars
Changing perspectives on mental health, understanding psychosocial risks, identifying warning signs. In-person or remote format.
Mental well-being workshop at work
Equipping employees with concrete psychosocial skills to better manage stress and tension on a daily basis.
Kindness training in mental health
Create internal liaisons trained in active listening, detecting situations of distress and referring to resources.
Prevention of psychosocial risks
For managers and psychosocial risk (PSR) representatives: understand burnout, bore-out, brown-out, clarify responsibilities and know how to act.
All these formats can be deployed in person, remotely or in hybrid mode, Depending on your team structure, each program is tailored to your sector, size, and strategic priorities.
In summary: acting now means investing in sustainable performance
Mental health is not a "soft" subject. It's a driver of performance, engagement, and loyalty. Companies that take action today reduce absenteeism, strengthen their employer brand, and comply with their legal obligations.
With the 2025-2026 National Cause initiative, the context has never been more favorable for launching or structuring your approach. Your employees are receptive. Your managers need it. And the tools are available.
Let's take 30 minutes to build your mental health action plan
Vanessa Aguettaz, health manager at Medisur, will help you identify your teams' needs and define the program best suited to your organization.
Official sources and resources
- French Government, Major National Cause 2025-2026: info.gouv.fr
- Ministry of Labour, Mental Health, National Cause 2025: solidarites.gouv.fr
- INRS, Psychosocial risks and burnout: inrs.fr
- JLO Group, White Paper “How burnout reflects mental health” (2025)
- Malakoff Humanis 2023 Barometer, Health and well-being at work
- Health Insurance, Data on psychological suffering at work: ameli.fr
