World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on the 10th of October, is a global initiative to raise awareness of mental health issues and inspire positive action. At Kate Underwood HR and Training, we understand that employee mental health is vital for creating a productive, positive, and supportive work environment. That’s why we are committed to helping UK businesses foster a culture where employees can thrive both mentally and physically.
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is a timely reminder for all employers, from small businesses to larger organisations, to prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace. Whether you’re looking to kickstart mental health initiatives or build on existing practices, there are several ways to get involved and show your commitment to supporting your team.
5 Simple Ways to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace
1. Launch a Self-Care Bingo Challenge
Introduce a fun and engaging way to promote mental wellbeing by launching a Self-Care Bingo challenge. Activities like taking a five-minute mindfulness break, stepping outside for fresh air, or sharing a moment of gratitude can make a huge difference in an employee’s day. Encourage your team to participate and see who can complete the most self-care actions! You can download our Ultimate Self-Care Bingo here.
2. Host Wellbeing Check-Ins
Take the time for informal wellbeing check-ins between managers and team members. These don’t have to focus on work-related topics—use this time to create a safe space where employees can talk about how they’re feeling, both personally and professionally. This open dialogue helps to reduce stress, build trust, and improve morale.
3. Encourage Mindfulness and Regular Breaks
Promote the importance of taking short, mindful breaks throughout the day. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises, stretching, or even a walk around the block can make a noticeable impact on mental wellbeing. Consider introducing a short guided meditation session to help employees de-stress.
4. Promote Physical Activity
Physical activity is an excellent way to support mental health. Whether it’s organising a lunchtime walk, hosting a yoga session, or encouraging employees to take regular stretch breaks, movement helps to combat stress and boost overall wellness.
5. Offer Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexibility around working hours or offering remote working options can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Allowing your team the flexibility to work in a way that suits their needs can lead to happier, more productive employees.
Beyond World Mental Health Day: Ongoing Support for Mental Wellbeing
World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to highlight mental health in the workplace, but creating a mentally healthy environment should be a year-round focus. At Kate Underwood HR and Training, we offer comprehensive support through our Mental Health Platform to ensure your team has the tools and resources they need to maintain positive mental health throughout the year.
In today’s fast-paced business world, employee mental health is more important than ever, with stress, anxiety, and depression contributing to a staggering 50% of lost working days each year. Many companies rely on generic Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which often fail to provide the personalized care employees need. These services typically offer impersonal phone-based support, with no matching process for counsellors, and charge based on assumed usage – benefiting the provider more than the employee.
But there’s a better way.
Our innovative online platform gives your team access to over 500 accredited counsellors, with a unique matching process that ensures each employee is connected with the right support. Our service is pay-as-you-go, meaning you only pay for the care your team uses, with no hidden fees or wasted costs. And with a secure virtual therapy room, your employees can get the support they need from the comfort and privacy of their own space.
By offering this personalized mental health support, you can help prevent long-term sickness absences, reduce presenteeism, and save thousands in recruitment and training costs. Early intervention is key – support your employees before mental health challenges become costly problems. Get started today and create a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace.
Learn more about how our Mental Health Platform can support your team’s wellbeing by clicking here
Final Thoughts
World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that small, intentional changes in the workplace can have a lasting impact on your team’s mental health. At Kate Underwood HR and Training, we’re dedicated to supporting businesses in creating a healthy, supportive work environment—not just on the 10th of October, but every day of the year.
If you’re interested in exploring how we can help your business implement ongoing mental health support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s work together to foster a workplace where your team can thrive.
