Nervous Rec: Why supporting your Team’s mental health in a tough market is good for business
By Mike Pincott, Owner of GMP Recruitment
In recruitment, we’re no strangers to pressure. Targets, tight deadlines, ever-changing client demands — they’re part of the job. But when the market gets tough, that pressure intensifies. As the owner of GMP Recruitment, I’ve seen first-hand how these challenges affect not just performance, but people. It’s in these moments that leaders must decide what kind of business they want to be. For me, it’s simple: looking after the mental health of my team isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic investment.
The Moral Imperative
Let’s start with the obvious: we’re human. Our consultants, resourcers, admin staff — they’re not machines. They carry the weight of work, yes, but also personal responsibilities, ambitions, worries. In a tough market, when placements are harder to secure and KPIs are under the microscope, stress levels climb. And if that stress goes unchecked, it turns into burnout.
Ignoring mental health is not just cold-hearted — it’s negligent. The recruitment industry has a reputation for being cutthroat, but I believe we can do better. At GMP Recruitment, we aim to build a culture where people feel supported, valued, and safe to speak up. Because people who feel like they matter, matter more.
The Business Case
Some might say, “That’s all well and good, but we’ve got targets to hit.” I get it. We’re a business. But here’s the truth: taking care of mental health doesn’t detract from performance — it enhances it.
When your team is supported:
Retention improves. Burnout leads to churn, and constant hiring costs time and money. Supporting wellbeing reduces turnover.
Productivity increases. People perform better when they’re not battling stress silently. Mental clarity leads to sharper thinking, better decisions, and stronger client relationships.
Reputation grows. Word gets around. If you treat your staff well, not only will you attract great talent, but clients will want to work with a company that clearly walks its talk.
Resilience builds. Teams that feel safe and supported are better equipped to ride out the tough times — and bounce back stronger.
What we’re doing at GMP Recruitment
We’re not perfect, but we’re trying. Here are a few things we’ve implemented:
Flexible working options to help staff manage their work/life balance.
Mental health first aid training for our leadership team.
Monthly check-ins that are about more than performance — they’re about people.
Access to wellbeing resources, whether through external support or internal open-door policies.
We’re also encouraging conversations — real ones. Out the office - away from phones and desks. The kind where someone can say, “I’m struggling,” without fear of judgment.
Final thoughts
A tough market tests everything — your strategy, your resilience, and your values. At GMP Recruitment we’re choosing to meet that test with empathy. Because when you look after your people, they look after your business. It’s not just a feel-good idea. It’s smart, sustainable leadership.
And honestly? It just feels right.
If you’re a business leader navigating the same challenges, I urge you: don’t wait for someone to break before you act. Lead with care. Your team, your culture, and your bottom line will thank you for it.
– Mike
Owner & Director, GMP Recruitment