Celebrating World Mental Health Day at Work
World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is an important day for promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Celebrated annually on October 10, this year’s theme is Mental Health at Work. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 60% of the global population is actively working. This means it’s crucial to address mental health in the workplace. The WHO estimates that 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing businesses around $1 trillion in lost productivity. By focusing on mental health, employers not only support their team members but also enhance overall workplace morale and efficiency.
Celebrating WMHD in your workplace sends a powerful message: that you care about your employees’ well-being. When workers feel supported, they are happier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive. So, how can you celebrate this important day?
How to Celebrate World Mental Health Day at Work
Consider hosting regular seminars on topics related to mental health and wellness. This ongoing commitment can help build a culture of support within your organization. You can organize lunchtime seminars featuring activities like:
Mindfulness Meditation: Start the week with a guided meditation to help employees center themselves. Regular meditation gives people the tools to healthily manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.
Yoga: Invite a yoga instructor to lead a class focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. Bonus points if it's workplace-friendly chair yoga.
Mindful Eating: Offer a seminar on the importance of paying attention while you eat. When you reduce distractions during everyday tasks, like eating, you are more present and aware of what the body and mind need.
Stretching: Incorporate short stretching sessions to relieve physical tension and promote movement.
Gratitude Journaling: Encourage employees to reflect by writing down things they are grateful for, goals they have achieved, and lessons they’ve learned.
Recently, Hinda used the framework above for a remote Wellness Week. Each day of the week a new topic was explored. The initiative received overwhelming positive feedback, with 85% of survey respondents saying they enjoyed the program and 94% reporting that they would participate again.
By integrating these practices into your workplace, you not only celebrate World Mental Health Day but also foster a supportive environment where employees can thrive. Remember, prioritizing mental health is a win-win for everyone!