It is World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024.

This year’s theme is “It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing at work, recognising that doing so benefits not just employees, but organisations and communities as a whole.

Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and burn-out, not only significantly impact employees' general wellbeing, but in turn their performance and morale at work. The aim of focusing on prioritising mental health in the workplace is to encourage employers to reflect on their workplace culture, implement effective mental health practices and create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to prioritise their own mental health.

A supportive work environment is integral to overall wellbeing. When mental health challenges go unaddressed, it can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity and higher staff turnover. On the other hand, businesses that invest in mental health initiatives foster a culture where employees can thrive – leading to increased engagement, resilience and job satisfaction. Prioritising mental health also enhances a company’s reputation, making it more attractive to top talent.

There are many ways businesses can take steps towards improving mental health in the workplace, including:

• Setting boundaries – technology and the increase in home working can mean that employees feel under pressure to be always available, which can contribute to employee burn-out. Being clear on expectations around working hours and discouraging non-urgent after-hours communications can help alleviate this stress.
• Ensure employees take proper rest breaks – when we are busy, it is easy for employees to sit in front of their computers for hours on end, often grabbing lunch at their desk in a bid to stay on top of their workload. It is important that employees are reminded to take proper breaks away from their desks to recharge, even during busy periods.
• Encouraging employees to keep active – regular exercise can significantly reduce stress levels and improve wellbeing. It also helps improve focus and cognition. Encouraging employees to keep active could be as simple as reminding them to go and stretch their legs and get some fresh air on their lunch break. Some employers also offer subsidised gym membership or organised workplace wellbeing challenges, encouraging employees to get active together (with a little bit of healthy competition thrown in too!).
• Provide training – providing ongoing mental health training equips teams with the knowledge and tools they need to recognise and support mental health challenges in the workplace.
• Lead by example – managers can lead the way by modelling these behaviours, helping to show that prioritising mental health is a normal part of the workplace culture.
• Wear a green ribbon – On 10 October 2024, encourage employees to wear a green ribbon in support of mental health. As part of the Mental Health Foundation’s #PinItForMentalHealth campaign, this simple act of solidarity can spark conversations and reduce the stigma around mental health.

While World Mental Health Day is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, it is crucial to continue the conversation beyond just this day. Creating a culture of openness, where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health, is key. Employers should encourage leaders and managers to regularly check in with their teams and ask how they are really doing. These check-ins can help break down stigma and ensure employees feel supported.

Prioritising mental health in the workplace is more than just a temporary trend – it is a necessity. By proactively implementing mental health initiatives, organisations can foster a positive, supportive culture that benefits both employees and the business.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Employment team if you require any further information or guidance on implementing policies or strategies to support the mental health of your employees, or for further guidance and advice.