World Mental Health Day 10th October 2024
How HR professionals and business leaders can support employee wellness
Today is World Mental Health Day 2024, celebrated every year on 10th October, to encourage people to take stock and prioritise collective well-being. This year’s official theme highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace. With burnout, anxiety and job-related stress all on the rise, our latest blog, published on World Mental Health Day, discusses some of the strategies business leaders and HR professionals can adopt to encourage a happy and more productive workforce.
With more than half of the world’s population spending a significant portion of their lives at work, understanding and promoting well-being in the workplace is no longer a luxury but a necessity. There’s an alarming economic cost when mental health goes untreated.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
In the UK alone, mental ill health costs UK employers around £56 billion each year.
A Government report estimates that one in six people of working age in the UK experience mental health symptoms at any one time.
When mental health isn’t prioritised in the workplace, the consequences are concerning for us all but particularly so for people professionals, who with business leaders, play a pivotal role in safeguarding employee wellbeing.
While many employers are more open to helping their employees with mental health issues, there is still a stigma attached to seeking help. Workers are reluctant to use available counselling services in case it might jeopardise future career opportunities. Fear of judgement, job loss or simply being seen as weak can cause workers to suffer in silence.
Why well-being at work matters
Promoting wellbeing at work is not just about avoiding negativity among workers but it’s about creating a positive environment which nurtures growth and success. When people feel supported and understood, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Organisations that prioritise mental health benefit from increased loyalty, reduced turnover, and a more positive workplace culture, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Wellbeing initiatives can also help reduce the stigma around mental health. By normalising conversations about stress, anxiety, and other life challenges, businesses can create a more inclusive environment where employees feel safe to ask for help when needed. When mental health is seen as a collective priority, it can foster stronger relationships among team members, encouraging collaboration and reducing the risk of isolation.
Key strategies to promote well-being at work
Strategies supporting health and well-being at work can be easy to introduce without blowing the budget. Even in these more challenging economic times, there are lots of practical ways organisations can establish a healthier work-life balance for their employees long term.
Foster a culture of open communication
One of the most critical steps in supporting wellbeing is creating a culture of open communication. Workers should feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or repercussions. Encourage your managers to talk openly about mental health, and to regularly check in on team members. Businesses can also provide anonymous channels for individuals to voice concerns or seek support.
Mental health resources and support
Many organisations now provide mental health resources as part of their employee benefits package. This can include access to counselling services, mental health apps, or workshops on stress management and mindfulness. Employee assistance programmes (EAPs), which offer confidential support and counselling on personal or work-related problems, can be invaluable for those experiencing mental health challenges.
Promote work-life balance
One of the most common policies for improved work-life balance is offering flexible, hybrid or remote working options. The CIPD reports that 71% of employees view improved work-life balance as a key benefit of hybrid working. Remote work or hybrid models have become more common and can provide people with the flexibility to manage their personal responsibilities alongside their work. If you’re in a leadership position, promote the idea of flexible working hours or remote work to allow employees more control over their schedules.
Create opportunities for getting together
Social connections in the workplace are important and while many of us enjoy the flexibility of hybrid or remote working, for some people it means that work can be a lonely place. HR professionals and managers can create opportunities for employees to build relationships through team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects. Even something as simple as arranging for workers to chat informally online for ‘afternoon tea’ on a regular basis can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall morale. Employees with friends or social connections in the workplace tend to be more engaged and loyal workers.
Train managers to support mental health
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day serves as a call to action for employers globally to raise mental health awareness and create a more empathetic environment. Providing training for managers on how to recognise signs of mental health struggles and how to offer support can make a significant difference. Sometimes the most powerful action is simply talking.
Encourage mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, are powerful tools for alleviating mental strain. Offer mindfulness workshops, create quiet spaces for reflection, or integrate these practices into the workday. Even small steps, such as encouraging employees to step away from their desks for short breaks, can have a positive impact on mental health.
We all have a role to play
Wellbeing at work is a collective responsibility and we all have a role to play in creating a healthy and supportive work environment. There are lots of ways that you can take part in World Mental Health Day. Check out some of the suggestions and resources online and join the movement towards global mental health awareness and change. To learn more, download the World Mental Health Day 2024 campaign toolkit.
CIPD and CMI qualifications
Help improve wellness strategies in your organisation by studying online for a CIPD qualification in Human Resources or enrolling on one of our CMI management and leadership courses. To find out more contact our specialist team today!
