Behind every system is a nervous system
Manchester Tech Week x Manchester Mind
Manchester Tech Week is about showcasing the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the future of our industry. It’s a space where innovation is celebrated and where the community comes together to share what’s possible.
But alongside that, there’s another side to working in tech that doesn’t always get the same attention. The pace is high, expectations are constant, and for many people that can take its toll over time. It’s something we hear more and more in conversations across the community - and it’s something we feel is important to acknowledge.
This year, we’re extending our partnership with Manchester Mind throughout Stress Awareness Month to open up more honest conversations around mental health in tech. Not as a separate topic, but as part of the same conversation about how our industry grows and evolves.
Why this matters
Recent research from Bupa & YouGov highlights just how widespread these challenges are, reflecting the reality of working in a sector that is fast-moving, demanding, and often always on:
- Nearly half of tech SME employees experience some degree of burnout monthly
- Businesses are losing the equivalent of 44 working days per employee each year to presenteeism linked to poor mental health
- Poor mental health is now costing UK businesses £51 billion annually
If we want to keep building successful, sustainable organisations, we also need to think about what support looks like for the people behind that work - our community.
“Behind the innovation and growth, long hours, poor sleep, and rising stress are quietly reshaping what it means to work in tech.”
Bupa & YouGov – Tech’s Hidden Health Cost Report
Working with Manchester Mind
That’s why we’re partnering with Manchester Mind. They’ve been supporting mental health across the city for over 35 years, and last year alone more than 11,000 adults and young people accessed their services, from counselling and peer support to training and advice. They also work directly with businesses, helping managers and teams better understand how to support mental health at work in a practical and meaningful way.
There’s a clear business case. Research from Deloitte shows that for every £1 invested in workplace mental health, organisations see an average return of £4.70 through improved productivity and reduced absence. But beyond that, it’s about creating working environments that people can realistically sustain over time.
At Manchester Tech Week 2026
Manchester Mind will have stands at all core events:
- DTX + UCX (29-30 April, Manchester Central)
- Creator Economy Live (29-30 April, Victoria Warehouse)
- IR B2B eCommerce Conference (29-30 April, Manchester Central)
Their team will be on hand to answer questions, share advice, and talk through how both individuals and organisations can get more involved. You’ll also be able to attend a session at DTX from Ruth Rosselson, Resilience Coordinator at Manchester Mind:
“Techniques for managing stress and thriving at work”
The session is designed to give attendees practical ways to better manage stress, whether that’s in the workplace or outside of it.
In the run-up to Manchester Tech Week 2026, we're going Behind the Screens and highlighting voices from across our community – the people working in tech who are willing to share their experiences and advice. You’ll see these perspectives across Manchester and through our marketing channels, and you can meet our ambassadors at our core events. It’s about making space for conversations that don’t always happen on stage but are just as important to how we work and support each other.
Supporting Manchester Mind
Manchester Mind is an independent charity, raising its own funds to continue delivering essential services across the city. If you’re able to support, donations go directly towards counselling, advice, youth programmes, peer support groups and workplace training-helping ensure those services remain available to the people who need them.
