A great way to encourage discussions around mental health in the workplace is to hold events to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace. These might be linked to awareness days or initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Week in May and World Mental Health Day in October.
Here are some ideas for events that you could organise within your firm or organisation to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace:
Lunch and learn sessions:
These can be informal sessions where employees can come together to learn about mental health and wellness.
You could have a guest speaker or facilitate a discussion about a specific topic related to mental health.
You can also have colleagues speak about their own experiences in looking after their mental health or caring for others. These are especially effective, as the more exposure people have to others who have or have recovered from mental health problems, the more unhelpful stereotypes are broken down and stigma is reduced.
Mental health fair:
Set up a fair in the workplace where employees can learn about different resources and services available to support their mental health. You could have representatives from local mental health organisations, therapists, and other experts on hand to answer questions and provide information. This can be supported by talks on important topics by the experts.
Wellness workshops:
Offer workshops or trainings on topics like stress management, mindfulness, and self-care. These can be helpful for employees looking to learn more about how to take care of their mental health.
Employee support groups or networks:
Set up support groups for employees who are struggling with mental health issues. These can be a safe and supportive space for employees to connect with others and share their experiences.
Employee wellness days:
Dedicate a day or half-day to focusing on employee wellness. You could have activities like yoga, meditation, or other self-care practices available for employees to participate in.
Mental health-themed events:
Host events with a mental health theme, like a film screening or book club discussion about mental health issues. This can be a good way to start a conversation about mental health and encourage employees to learn more about the topic.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing here and read our Quick Tips Series here.
