World Mental Health Day 2022

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10th October every year. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2022, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.’

For over 70 years the Mental Health Foundation has been working to make sure mental health is treated on a par with physical health. Mental healthy problems exist in our lives, families, workplace, and communities, impacting everyone. We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society.

World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

Mental health in the workplace

Currently, 1-in-6 workers deal with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or stress. When overlooked, these problems can lead to burnout, loss of concentration, and poor decision-making amongst employees – limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to their professional lives.

Estimates show that approximately 12% of sick leave in the UK is attributed to some form of mental illness. As a result, poor mental health can negatively impact your care organisation, leading to decreased staff levels impacting the care of residents. To counteract this, your care organisation must tackle these issues head-on, supporting your staff – and your business.

How to celebrate World Mental Health Day 2022 in the workplace? 

In recognition of WMHD 2022, we’re urging care settings to make a conscious effort to celebrate and create a workplace that enriches the health and wellbeing of all employees. Read on to discover how your business can celebrate WMHD:

Host a wellbeing workshop

Sometimes, the best place to learn about workplace wellbeing is the workplace. As an employer, you should educate your workforce about the importance of wellbeing in the workplace. World Mental Health Day is an ideal time to offer this education.

These workshops function as an educational tool and usually involve an external professional: an expert who can teach your employees and organisation how to deal with mental health problems and boost workplace wellbeing. They frequently draw from their own experiences to provide information that resonates with employees.

Group networks

Creating a group network brings employees together and help with connection. A group network could be in the form of a book club, sport club or pride network. These groups provide a sense of community and belonging between employees. Having a positive sense of connection at work has been proven to increase staff morale, retention and wellbeing.

Hold a wellbeing-focused social event

Tea & Talk: a national fundraising event which takes place on World Mental Health Day each year. All you have to do is get together a group of colleagues, put the kettle on and invite them to donate to the Mental Health Foundation.

Get a green ribbon 

Show your support for mental health and join the Mental Health Foundation’s movement by ordering a green ribbon badge here. All proceeds go towards finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems.