World Mental Health Day fell on the Thursday 10th October, here Lee Hawker-Lecesne, Clinical Director of The Cabin Chiang Mai looks at how mental health in the UK needs a radical rethink and how we must start viewing it through the lens of workplace support and engagement. Mental health is an escalating crisis with 1 in 6 people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace and 12 million working days lost every year due to depression and anxiety.

Smarter working strategies, such as the four-day week being tabled by Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, are a promising start. These initiatives recognise the importance of balancing work and mental well-being and can potentially lead to a more productive and happier workforce. UK employers can use World Mental Health Day to launch or reinforce mental health initiatives in the workplace as well. It is a day to recognise employees’ struggles and commit to fostering more inclusive, supportive, and healthier environments.

In house awareness

One effective approach is to host awareness campaigns and events, using the day to organise workshops, discussions, or panels that educate employees on mental health, encourage seeking help, and offer stress management strategies. The goal is to create an environment where conversations about mental health are normalised and employees feel supported in seeking help when needed.

Mental health policies in the workplace

Reviewing and launching mental health policies is another vital step. World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to introduce or revise mental health policies, such as flexible working arrangements, mental health days, and improved access to support services. These policies not only demonstrate a commitment to employees’ well-being but also foster a culture of openness and care within the organisation.

Employee engagement 

Direct engagement with employees is essential to understand their mental health needs better. Managers should use this day as an opportunity to speak directly with staff, gather feedback, and identify areas where additional support might be required. This kind of proactive approach can help build more responsive support systems that are tailored to the specific needs of employees.

Mental health collaborations

Collaborating with mental health organisations like Mind, the Mental Health Foundation, and Rethink Mental Illness can also provide valuable resources and expertise to enhance workplace mental health initiatives. These partnerships can lead to the development of comprehensive support programmes that integrate both internal and external resources, creating a more holistic approach to employee well-being.

Lee comments. “Businesses have a significant role to play in shaping how mental health is perceived and managed. Policies, education, and culture all contribute to a more supportive and healthier work environment. By making mental health a priority, companies can not only enhance employee well-being but also improve overall productivity and retention.”

The commitment to mental health should not be confined to just one day but should be an ongoing effort. Employers, employees, and policymakers alike must recognise their shared responsibility in fostering healthier workplaces and communities. World Mental Health Day is a valuable reminder of the collective action needed to address the mental health challenges we face today.

Encouraging a National Dialogue

World Mental Health Day provides a valuable platform to encourage a national dialogue on mental health absenteeism and the wider challenges faced by the UK workforce. It serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight the importance of creating supportive work environments and maintaining mental health as a national priority, extending far beyond just one day of recognition.

World Mental Health Day serves as a critical reminder that addressing mental health in the workplace and beyond is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time effort. For the UK, leveraging this day to create meaningful dialogue, implement effective policies, and foster a supportive culture can significantly alleviate the burden of mental health issues. As we observe this day, we must recognise our collective responsibility—employers, employees, policymakers, and the community—to make mental health a universal human right and a daily priority.