World Mental Health Day

Learn how employers can use World Mental Health Day to encourage open conversations about mental health at work to support employees and break down stigma.

The value of supporting World Mental Health Day at work

World Mental Health Day is a day to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world.

Creating a culture that encourages open discussions leads to a healthier, more engaged workforce. Ignoring mental health in the workplace can lead to higher absences and reduced performance.

A workplace that supports mental wellbeing can:

• Create a culture of openness and understanding
• Strengthen workplace relationships and teamwork
• Ensure employees feel valued and supported
• Reduce stress-related absences and burnout
• Improve productivity and workplace morale.

Celebrate World Mental Health Day at work

As an employer you can create an understanding culture where employees feel comfortable talking about mental health.

Here are some simple steps you can take to support World Mental Health Day at work:

Encourage conversations

Use posters, emails, intranet updates, and team meetings to raise awareness.

Create safe spaces

Set up ways for employees to talk in confidence. These could include:

• Informal peer support groups
• Wellbeing check-ins
• Dedicated quiet areas

You should allow employees to engage privately via suggestion boxes or online forums.

Provide resources

Share details of resources your employees can access for support. This could include:

• Helplines
• Counselling services
• Wellbeing apps
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Internal wellbeing initiatives.

Lead with action

Encourage leadership teams and managers to speak openly about mental health and promote a culture of support.

Mental health at work throughout the year

As an employer, you can play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Here are some things you can do throughout the year:

• Check mental health and wellbeing
• Develop a workplace mental health plan
• Promote a positive and supportive workplace culture
• Share mental health and wellbeing resources with employees.

Visit our mental health and wellbeing webpage to find out more.

Find out more

To find out how your workplace can get involved in World Mental Health Day, visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) website.

You can also find resources from the Mental Health Foundation and Mind.

To get updates about health and wellbeing campaigns throughout the year, sign up to our newsletter.

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