World Mental Health Day

Why Your Organisation Should Get Involved in World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2024?

As we continue to explore impactful wellbeing awareness campaigns, we turn our attention to World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2024. This global event is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental wellbeing. Integrating World Mental Health Day into your organisational strategy can create a more supportive and resilient work environment. With 50 days to go, it’s not too late to add World Mental Health Day to your wellbeing strategy. Here’s how your organisation can leverage this important day to enhance employee wellbeing and foster a positive workplace culture.

Why Mental Health is Important

Mental health is essential for overall wellbeing and performance. Here’s why promoting mental health in the workplace is crucial:

1. Enhanced Productivity – Employees who feel mentally healthy are more productive, engaged, and motivated. Supporting mental health can lead to improved job performance and satisfaction.
2. Reduced Absenteeism – Addressing mental health issues can help reduce absenteeism related to stress and mental health conditions, contributing to a more stable and productive workforce.
3. Improved Relationships – A focus on mental health fosters better interpersonal relationships and communication, enhancing teamwork and collaboration.

Why Support World Mental Health Day?

Focusing on World Mental Health Day offers numerous benefits for organisations and their employees:

1. Highlighting the Importance of Mental Health – Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellbeing. By participating in World Mental Health Day, your organisation underscores its commitment to addressing mental health issues and supporting employees.
2. Reducing Stigma – World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to challenge and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. This can encourage open discussions and create a more inclusive workplace.
3. Promoting a Supportive Work Environment – Engaging with this day demonstrates that your organisation values employee wellbeing and is committed to providing a supportive and empathetic work environment.

Strategy Steps for Maximising Impact

To make the most of World Mental Health Day, consider implementing the following strategic steps:

1. Develop a Mental Health Strategy – Outline your objectives for World Mental Health Day, including raising awareness, providing educational resources, and offering support. Ensure your strategy aligns with your broader wellbeing goals.
2. Communicate Internally – Use internal communication channels to promote the significance of World Mental Health Day. Share information about mental health resources and upcoming events.
3. Organise Educational Events – Host workshops, seminars, or panel discussions on mental health topics. Invite mental health professionals to speak and provide valuable insights.
4. Provide Support Resources – Ensure employees have access to mental health resources such as counselling services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and self-help tools. Make it clear where they can turn for help.
5. Encourage Employee Participation – Involve employees in planning and promoting World Mental Health Day activities. Create opportunities for them to share their experiences and support one another.

Outcomes

Engaging with World Mental Health Day can lead to several positive outcomes:

1. Increased Awareness – Employees gain a better understanding of mental health issues and available resources, fostering a more informed and supportive workplace.
2. Enhanced Support – Employees feel more supported and are more likely to seek help if needed, contributing to a healthier and more resilient work environment.
3. Reduced Stigma – Open discussions about mental health can help reduce stigma and create a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture.

Signs Indicating Employee Buy-In

Before launching your campaign, consider these indicators that employees may be receptive:

1. Interest in Wellbeing Initiatives – If employees have previously shown interest in mental health and wellbeing programmes, they are likely to engage positively with World Mental Health Day.
2. Feedback on Workplace Culture – Positive feedback regarding workplace culture and support for mental health initiatives can signal that employees are ready to embrace new mental health initiatives.
3. Visible Signs of Stress – Observing signs of stress or burnout among employees can indicate a need for targeted mental health support and awareness.

Training Opportunities

To support your campaign and enhance your organisation’s mental health strategy, consider providing:

1. Mental Health Awareness Training – Educate employees about mental health issues, including common symptoms, coping strategies, and available resources.
2. Resilience Training – Equip employees with skills to build resilience and manage stress effectively. Resilience training can help employees navigate challenges and maintain mental wellbeing.
3. Manager Training – Train managers to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support. Effective manager training can foster a supportive environment and improve overall team wellbeing.
4. Organisational training – Attend networking opportunities e.g ‘The Exchange’ community focused on providing support for workplace Mental Health Champions, Wellbeing Champions and leaders of wellbeing at work to share ideas and best practice.

Developing Resilience and Ownership of Wellbeing

World Mental Health Day can be used to develop resilience in the workplace by:

1. Promoting Resilience Training – Equip employees with skills to manage stress and adapt to challenges, fostering a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
2. Encouraging Self-Care – Support employees in taking ownership of their mental health through self-care practices and access to resources.

How People First Can Partner with Your Organisation

At People First, we’re dedicated to helping organisations enhance their mental health strategies. Our services include:

1. Campaign Planning and Execution – We can assist in developing and implementing a tailored plan for World Mental Health Day, ensuring alignment with your organisational goals.
2. Training and Workshops – We offer comprehensive training programs on mental health awareness, resilience, and manager support to equip your team with essential skills.
3. Support Resources – We can help you set up and promote access to mental health resources, ensuring employees have the help they need.
4. Ongoing Support – Our consultancy services provide continuous guidance and support to enhance your overall wellbeing strategy and address emerging needs.

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day is a vital opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and promote a supportive work environment. By strategically engaging with this day, you can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce stigma, and foster a more resilient and inclusive workplace.

Explore More

• People First Wellbeing Calendar 2024
• Selecting Wellbeing Awareness Campaigns
• Workplace wellbeing initiatives
• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Power of gratitude

SAVE THE DATES! – Join us for ‘The Exchange’

It’s a community focused on providing support for workplace Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Champions and leaders of wellbeing at work.

• Thursday 19th September 16:00 – 17:00 Register
• Thursday 31st October 16:00 – 17:00 Register
• Thursday 12th December 16:00 – 17:00 Register

Ready to explore wellbeing awareness campaigns to enhance your wellbeing strategy? Contact People First today to explore how we can partner with your organisation to create meaningful and impactful awareness campaigns. Together, we can support your employees and build a healthier, more appreciative workplace.