Observing World Mental Health Day in the workplace

Bringing mental health to the forefront

October 10th is recognized globally as World Mental Health Day. Beginning in 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health created this event to highlight the importance of mental health and its effects on individuals, families, workplaces, and communities.

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to evaluate our workplaces and make necessary changes to support our people. This year’s theme is “Access to Services — Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” In today’s news cycle, we can easily be overwhelmed by natural disasters, conflicts, and other tragedies. Whether a crisis occurs at home or abroad, wellbeing efforts can support and protect individuals experiencing hardships.

There are many organizations and leadership teams making valiant mental health efforts for their employees. More is being done to lower stigma, encourage conversations, and invest in wellbeing resources than ever before. At HealthSource Solutions our wellness professionals have experienced this progress firsthand while implementing wellbeing strategies and collaborating with other company leaders.

As we collectively pause for World Mental Health Day, I encourage your teams to consider these practical ways to bring mental health to the forefront of your health and safety strategies.

How do leaders impact mental health conversations on their jobsites?

Business owners and their leadership teams set the tone for safety, productivity, and workplace culture. Mental health is no different.

Modeling open communication creates credibility and allows employees the confidence to speak up about their own challenges. When I was onsite as a wellness program manager for a construction company, I witnessed walls of stigma crumble down when leaders showed vulnerability. They were able to build trust as they authentically shared their personal mental health journeys and experiences.

What mental health initiatives should we focus on?

Every organization is different based on their industry, work demands, and existing resources. The following are initiatives that we’ve seen successfully implemented with our clients with hard-to-reach dispersed workforces:

• Training like Mental Health First Aid, QPR Gatekeeper, and VitalCog Suicide Prevention courses
• Peer support or employee resource groups to create social connection and support networks
• Communications and mental health talking points in newsletters and team meetings
• Site signage and flyers with company resources (e.g., Employee Assistance Hotlines)
• Embedding mental wellbeing check-ins during morning team meetings
• Reviewing available company and community mental health resources during new hire orientation meetings
• Mental Health speaker at a safety all-hands meeting
• Implementing a holistic wellbeing program
• Onsite yoga, group exercise, and relaxation classes
• Mental health therapists onsite
• Offering community volunteering opportunities or volunteer time off
• Mental health days or time off for self-care
• Therapy animal visits
• Quiet rooms for meditation, prayer, and recharge
• Family days or events for family members
• Promoting World Mental Health Day and other wellbeing awareness events
• And many more!

Opportunities for Every Organization

Companies vary, but the message remains the same. Opportunities exist at every organization for improving workplace mental health.

Progress starts when leaders demonstrate vulnerability and create safe work environments. Embedding mental health and wellbeing efforts into the daily operations of your work day will raise awareness, provide peer support, and encourage employees to thrive.

As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, let us continue working together to step up our workplace mental health initiatives. These efforts can truly make a difference and save lives!

Additional Resources:

• World Federation for Mental Health: https://wfmh.global/
• 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
• Mental Health First Aid training: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
• QPR : Question, Persuade, Refer training: QPR Institute | Practical and Proven Suicide Prevention Training QPR Institute (en-US)
• VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in Construction training: Suicide Prevention in Construction – VitalCog