World Mental Health Day on 10 October brings the critical issue of mental well-being to the forefront, with this year’s theme being It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.

“Organisations can no longer afford to overlook the mental health of their employees, as a supportive work environment leads to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and better overall morale,” explains Jessica Tandy, Director from Bizmod.

Below she provides essential tips for fostering mental wellness at work:

1. Cultivate an open culture around mental health

Encouraging employees to speak openly about mental health is crucial. Creating a stigma-free environment where discussions about stress, anxiety, or burnout are welcomed without judgment helps build trust. Regular check-ins and workshops go a long way in creating an inclusive workplace culture.

2. Provide access to mental health resources

Offering resources such as employee assistance programmess (EAPs), mental health hotlines, or onsite counselling services shows a proactive commitment to employee well-being.

Integrating mental health tools like mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and resilience-building sessions into regular business operations can significantly reduce stress levels in the workforce.

3. Promote work-life balance

Employees who maintain a healthy work-life balance tend to have better mental health outcomes.

Encouraging practices like flexible working hours, remote or hybrid work options, and regular breaks can alleviate stress. It is important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, especially in a digital age where the lines can blur.

4. Mental wellness support training for managers

Managers play a pivotal role in creating a mentally healthy workplace. Providing them with mental health training ensures they can identify signs of stress or burnout and offer support where needed. Leadership should foster a compassionate management style that prioritises understanding and support.

5. Regularly assess employee well-being

Mental health should be an ongoing conversation, not a once-a-year initiative.

Companies that regularly assess the mental well-being of their employees, through surveys or feedback channels, can address issues early and make necessary adjustments to improve workplace culture.