Mental Health Awareness Week (12th – 18th May 2025) is a powerful reminder that mental health and wellbeing is just as important as physical health. It’s a national moment that cuts through the noise, reminding us all to check in with ourselves and each other. And while the campaign is often aimed at individuals, it’s also a crucial opportunity for businesses, and especially those in high-pressure industries like finance, to reflect on what more they could be doing.
When it comes to mental health, CFOs and finance leaders are under enormous strain. And yet, it’s a conversation we rarely have.
But what does it really mean to support mental health in finance?
The Pressure Beneath the Surface
The finance industry has always been demanding. But in recent years, the pressures on finance leaders have intensified. CFOs today are expected to wear multiple hats. Be a strategic advisor, risk manager, culture-setter, and sustainability lead, all while navigating economic uncertainty and delivering results. It’s no wonder so many feel isolated, overwhelmed or burnt out.
As highlighted by CFO Brew, the emotional toll of the CFO role is rising. With increasing visibility and responsibility, many finance professionals report high levels of stress, anxiety and loneliness. And yet, they often feel they have to “just get on with it.”
At Core3, we think it’s time to challenge that culture.
Finance Can No Longer Be a Mental Health Blind Spot
The truth is, the finance sector has historically been slow to embrace mental health support. Long hours and tight deadlines have often been worn as a badge of honour. But the cost of that mindset is becoming impossible to ignore.
Research and lived experience now show what we’ve long suspected – poor mental health leads to poorer outcomes. It affects decision-making, team morale and retention. And for CFOs in particular, the isolation can be acute. As The CFO put it, “It can get lonely at the top.” When you’re the person others rely on, it can be hard to know who you can turn to. But change is happening. And it needs to start at the top.
Small Actions, Big Shifts
The point of national awareness days like Mental Health Awareness Week isn’t to jump on a bandwagon or stage grand gestures for social media. It’s about creating real change internally, quietly and consistently for the people who keep your business moving.
At Core3, we’ve worked hard to make mental health and wellbeing a core part of our culture. We know that in high-pressure industries like finance, the only way to create real resilience is by building workplaces that support people in the long term, not just through crisis.
For us, success isn’t just about hitting targets – it’s about building a team that fits, thrives and feels genuinely supported. That’s why we’ve introduced a series of initiatives designed to nurture mental health and wellbeing at every level of the business.
We host monthly wellbeing check-ins that are simple, open conversations where the team can talk freely about how they’re doing. We’ve made mental health resources readily available and share them without stigma, because we know the signs aren’t always visible.
One of the most impactful initiatives has been our annual retreat. This is a two-day digital detox in nature with no phones, no work chat and no distractions. It’s a chance to reset, be present and reconnect with ourselves and each other. We’ve also introduced wellness initiatives in the office, from free gym memberships to yoga equipment available to everyone.
We make space for connection and fun, too. Over the last couple of years, we’ve taken on physical challenges like Tough Mudder, the Bath Half, and even the Three Peaks Challenge. When we’re not racing up mountains, we’re hosting monthly team-building experiences like surfing at The Wave, paddleboarding, cooking classes and go-karting.
Recognition matters, too. That’s why we launched quarterly values awards and a ‘Star of the Week’ shout-out to celebrate both big wins and quiet contributions. Our Family Fun Day brought our team and clients together for games, a BBQ and a proper chance to bond away from the desk.
To further support leadership wellbeing, there are two days each month dedicated to developing our leaders so they can lead with empathy and support their teams with confidence.
None of these actions are complicated. But together, they shape a culture where people can breathe, grow and feel valued.
Leadership with Humanity
One of the most powerful shifts we’ve seen in recent years is that CFOs are starting to shape not just the financial strategy, but the culture of their businesses. They’re in the room when decisions are made. They’re setting the tone. And that means they have a huge role to play in shaping how their organisations support (or fail to support) mental health.
CFO Dive says that leaders who actively champion wellbeing create ripple effects. When CFOs and management teams are open about mental health, the stigma starts to dissolve, and that creates room for real change.
We’ve seen in our own business and in our clients’ businesses that healthy teams are more productive, more engaged and more likely to stick around.
A Moment to Reset
If you’re in finance and feeling the weight of your role, this week is your permission to hit pause. Take a few moments to reflect and ask yourself: How am I, really?
And if you’re a business leader, ask yourself:
- Do we create space for open conversations about mental health?
- Do our CFOs and finance teams feel supported, or are they running on empty?
- Are we investing in wellbeing in the same way we invest in performance?
If the answer is no, that’s okay. You’re not alone. But this week is a chance to start doing things differently.
It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health
At Core3, we believe business should be human. You can aim high and still look after your people, and it’s possible to have purpose AND performance – you don’t have to settle for one or the other.
So, this Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging you to take some time for yourself and prioritise your mental health. Strength isn’t about pretending to be fine, it’s about knowing when to ask for help.
