World Alzheimer's Month: Why It Matters in the Workplace

Bringing Alzheimer's Awareness Into the Workplace

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, with 21st September recognised as World Alzheimer’s Day. While dementia is often seen as a personal or family issue, the reality is that it affects every part of society—including the workplace.

Whether it’s employees juggling caring responsibilities, colleagues experiencing early symptoms, or the broader impact on mental wellbeing, Alzheimer’s is closer to your team than you might think.

At Treat Your Staff, we believe that wellbeing isn’t just about yoga and smoothies (though we love those too). It’s about creating a compassionate, supportive environment where people feel seen and cared for—especially when navigating difficult life experiences.

Why Alzheimer's Awareness Belongs in the Workplace

• 1 in 3 people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

• Over 900,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia (according to the Guardian)

• Many carers are working professionals—trying to balance full-time jobs with full-time care.

Raising awareness isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also smart leadership. When employers recognise the emotional and practical weight their staff carry outside of work, they unlock better engagement, loyalty, and wellbeing.

How Can Workplaces Show Support During World Alzheimer’s Month?

1. Make Space for Conversations

Create a psychologically safe environment where people can talk about their personal experiences with dementia—whether they’re a carer, have a family history, or simply want to learn more. Host a Lunch & Learn or share internal newsletters highlighting stories and facts.

TYS Tip: Invite a guest speaker from a local dementia charity or signpost to the Alzheimer’s Society's 'Dementia Friends' initiative.

2. Support Working Carers

Flexible working hours, carer leave policies, and access to wellbeing resources can make a huge difference. Employees caring for a loved one with dementia are at higher risk of burnout, so small adjustments can have a big impact.

TYS Tip: Add a carers' support guide to your wellbeing toolkit. Not sure where to start? We can help you build one.

3. Raise Awareness Through Simple Acts

It doesn’t have to be grand. Wearing purple on 21st September, adding a memory wall in the breakroom, or even sharing a post on LinkedIn shows your team (and clients) that you care.

TYS Tip: Encourage employees to share stories or photos of loved ones affected by dementia—with their consent—to foster connection.

4. Bring It Into Your Wellbeing Strategy

Dementia awareness isn’t a one-month affair. Include mental and cognitive health in your year-round wellbeing efforts. That might look like stress reduction workshops, chair yoga sessions, or digital detox days—all of which support brain health.

TYS Tip: Our chair yoga and meditation sessions are designed to gently support focus, reduce anxiety, and bring your team back to balance.

This September, Let’s Work Together

Let’s use World Alzheimer’s Month as a reminder: the workplace is not separate from real life. It’s where people show up with their hopes, their fears, and their family responsibilities.

By acknowledging Alzheimer’s and offering meaningful support, we’re not just doing a good thing—we’re building a kinder, more resilient workplace culture.

Ready to create a workplace that supports every stage of life? We’re here to help. From wellbeing strategy to tailored team experiences, Treat Your Staff brings compassion, energy, and practicality to your workplace wellbeing.

Get in touch to explore what we can do together.