On World Mental Health Day, let’s unite in raising awareness and reminding everyone that mental health matters. Talking openly about mental health can help us navigate life’s challenges more effectively. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond, take a moment to check in with friends, family, colleagues, or peers.
Celebrated annually on 10 October, this year’s World Mental Health Day focuses on workplace mental health, a theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health. It emphasises the importance of fostering mental wellbeing in the workplace, benefiting individuals, organizations, and communities alike.
Our work environment can significantly impact our mental health. On the positive side, work can provide a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem, and offer chances for social connection. However, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and contribute to or exacerbate mental health challenges.
What Defines a Mentally Healthy Workplace?
A mentally healthy workplace promotes various practices, such as providing mental health training for employees, addressing discrimination and bullying, and most importantly, fostering open discussions about mental health.
Although conversations about mental health at work have become more common, severe mental health conditions still carry stigma for many employees. This highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce mental health stigma in the workplace.
What Makes a Workplace Mentally Healthy?
Several factors contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, such as offering mental health training for staff, addressing issues like discrimination and bullying, and most importantly, encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Although discussing mental health at work has become more accepted, stigma still surrounds more severe mental health conditions. This shows there’s still progress to be made in breaking down mental health stigma in the workplace.
Key Statistics:
- An estimated 15% of UK workers live with a mental health condition.
- In 2022/23, 875,000 workers reported work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.
- Mental health was the 5th leading cause of sickness absence in 2022.
