Putting people first - WSP’s path to better mental health at work
WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. To maintain this position, we know we need to create the right environments for our people to thrive. We recognise that the high-pressure environments and projects we work in can be challenging, but we’re dedicated to supporting staff in ways which protect and maintain their wellbeing.
Signing the Mental Health at Work Commitment was a significant moment for us, giving us a way to communicate to our people our firm commitment to prioritising their mental health and wellbeing.
Laying the foundations
Over time, we’ve taken steady, deliberate steps to build a culture where people feel safe, connected and supported. Much of this began with listening. Through engagement surveys and ongoing feedback, we looked closely at how colleagues were experiencing their workplace environments. This led us to improve our offices, reshape spaces to encourage connection and wellbeing, and recognise supportive team behaviours through our WSP Excellence Awards.
Flexibility remains a core part of how we help colleagues balance work and life. Our discretionary ‘my hour’ gives people freedom in their day; time they can use to rest, recharge or manage personal commitments. These small moments make a big difference, especially in fast paced technical roles.
Creating thriving project environments
Because the nature of project work brings its own pressures, we knew we needed better visibility of stress factors across the business.
In 2025, we digitised our project stress risk assessment tool, building it into our ways of working and supporting it with clear guidance and training. Alongside regular wellbeing pulse surveys, this gives teams and leaders early insight into emerging risks. It means we can act sooner - adjusting expectations, improving communication or rebalancing workloads before issues escalate.
We’ve also been looking at organisational stressors: job design, recruitment, structure and online working culture. These changes are informed by ongoing feedback and help ensure we’re creating an environment where people can thrive, not just cope.
Ensuring the right support
Of course, we know that even with the right systems in place, life can be unpredictable. That’s why we’ve invested in 24/7 professional support and resources. Our network of 111 MHFAiders® offers confidential, compassionate support when colleagues need someone to talk to – whether over a cuppa or online – and signpost people to other support pathways where helpful.
For those navigating longer-term health needs, structured tools like Personal Risk Reviews and Wellness Action Plans ensure people feel supported and understood in a way that works for them and their team.
Signing the Mental Health at Work Commitment has helped us bring structure and focus to this work. It gives us a clear framework to review what we’re doing well and where we can go further. We’re now expanding this approach across our global business, updating our global wellbeing policy and developing a Global Mental Health Plan that strengthens our focus on psychosocial risks. We know there’s more to do and we’re excited for what comes next.
