World Mental Health Day: How HR Can Prepare?

What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day, held on October 10th every year, is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. It’s a global day of advocacy and fundraising to raise awareness of mental health issues, promote good mental health, and help secure vital funds for global mental health resources. Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s a key opportunity to bring mental health to the forefront of the global conversation.

How Can HR Teams Prepare for World Mental Health Day?

HR teams are critical in shaping company culture and supporting employee well-being. As we approach World Mental Health Day, HR teams can use this as an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, educate employees about mental health, and promote a culture of understanding and support. HR professionals can host seminars, circulate informative material, and encourage employees to share their experiences, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

How Is Workplace Anxiety Affecting Employees in the UK?

Workplace anxiety is a significant issue in the UK, often caused by the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though a normal emotion, anxiety can become a mental health problem if it’s persistent and interferes with daily life. HR teams must recognise the seriousness of this problem and implement strategies to address it.

How Can HR Teams Leverage Social Media on World Mental Health Day?

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. For World Mental Health Day, HR teams can leverage social media platforms to raise awareness, share resources, encourage conversations about mental health, and promote fundraising activities. Utilising hashtags like #WorldMentalHealthDay can help amplify these messages and reach a wider audience.

How Can We Support Young People in the Workplace?

Young people can be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, especially those entering the workforce for the first time. HR teams can support young employees by creating a supportive work environment, providing dedicated mental health resources, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding across the organisation.

How Can HR Teams Help Break the Stigma Around Mental Health?

Combatting the stigma around mental health is crucial for creating a supportive workplace. HR can organise workshops and forums to educate employees about mental health, emphasising that mental illnesses are a normal part of the human experience and not a cause for shame. Implementing policies that promote open conversations about mental health can make employees feel safe and supported.

HR teams can also utilise the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organisation resources to support World Mental Health Day activities, including educational materials, infographics, and research articles. In-house mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes, should also be highlighted to employees.

How Can HR Teams Encourage Good Mental Health in the Workplace?

Promoting and supporting good mental health in the workplace is not a one-off event but an ongoing process. It demands a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of the work environment, employee resources, and company policies. In light of World Mental Health Day, here are some strategies for HR to implement:

• Creating a Supportive Environment: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, destigmatise mental health conditions, and foster empathy and understanding.
• Providing Necessary Resources: Ensure employees know about available mental health resources, such as counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
• Integrating Mental Health into Company Policies: Create policies that underline the company’s commitment to mental health, including measures for accommodating mental health conditions.
• Organising Training and Programs: Arrange mental health first aid training, mindfulness sessions, and wellness programs to raise awareness and equip employees with the necessary skills to manage their mental health.
• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Prevent burnout by ensuring manageable workloads and encouraging time off to recharge. This can help maintain a healthy work-life balance, a crucial factor in good mental health.
• Valuing Each Employee’s Well-Being: Show genuine care for each employee’s well-being through regular check-ins, provision of support when needed, and celebrating achievements. A culture that values and recognises its employees can contribute significantly to positive mental health.

By incorporating these strategies, HR teams can proactively cultivate an environment that supports and promotes good mental health, contributing to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.

How Can We Take This Forward Beyond October?

The commitment to mental health should continue throughout the year. HR teams can work to implement and update mental health policies, provide resources, and promote open conversations about mental health, ensuring the lessons and awareness from World Mental Health Day persist beyond October.

And, if you need help finding top-tier HR professionals to lead Mental Health awareness for your business, we can help. Contact The Consultancy Group today.