12 Mental Health Awareness Activities for Employees
Key takeaways:
Mental health awareness activities can improve team productivity, reduce burnout, and foster a culture of collective accountability.
Prioritizing employee well-being creates sustainable, mentally healthy work cultures that benefit both individuals and the organization as a whole.
At Strengths Squared, we specialize in helping startup founders and their teams foster a mentally healthy work environment.
Lisa and I have had a number of startup founders come to us with their lists of "exciting" employee perks/benefits only to find employee retention and moral at an all time low. Workplace culture no longer stops at after work gatherings, a gym membership or "unlimited" time off; it's a necessity for companies to create a culture around supporting their employees mental well being 365(6) days a year, not just Mental Health Awareness Month (May). The modern workplace is complex and navigating it can take a toll on your whole organizations mental load. Focusing on mental health is a critical area for organizations aiming to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. At Strengths Squared, we specialize in empowering startup founders and their teams to prioritize mental health promotion and well-being and create mentally healthy workplace cultures.
In this blog, we will explore a variety of mental health initiatives designed to improve employees' mental health, promote work-life balance, and reduce stress. From leadership-led initiatives such as mental health benefits to team-based activities and gamified campaigns, these strategies are actionable and impactful. Let’s dive into how you can implement these mental health activities to support your own team members and improve overall well-being.
12 mental health activities for employees
Promoting mental health awareness in the workplace involves a range of activities tailored to meet the unique needs of employees. These exercises are categorized into leadership-led initiatives, team-based activities, burnout prevention strategies, and creative campaigns. Try to choose exercises that resonate with your team. It's important to understand your teams unique pain points in order to foster a culture that values mental wellness.
Leadership-led mental health initiatives
1. Role-Modeling Positive Mental Health Habits
How to do it: Leaders can demonstrate work-life balance by taking regular breaks, logging off at reasonable hours, and openly discussing their mental wellness practices.
How it supports employee mental health: When leaders prioritize their mental health, it normalizes the practice and reduces stigma surrounding mental health.
2. Hosting Mental Health Workshops
How to do it: Collaborate with mental health professionals to organize stress reduction workshops or mental health training sessions.
How it supports employee mental health: Workshops provide employees with valuable coping strategies and tools to manage stress and mental health challenges effectively.
3. Offering Mental Health Screenings
How to do it: Partner with organizations like Strengths Squared to offer confidential mental health screenings for employees.
How it supports employee mental health: Early identification of mental health conditions can lead to timely intervention and support.
Team-based mental health activities at work
4. Peer Support Check-Ins
How to do it: Schedule regular team check-ins where employees can share their mental wellness experiences in a safe and supportive setting.
How it supports employee mental health: These check-ins promote emotional connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
5. Team Mindfulness Practices
How to do it: Incorporate mindfulness exercises, such as guided meditation or breathing exercises, into team meetings.
How it supports employee mental health: Mindfulness practices improve focus and reduce stress, fostering a calm work environment.
6. Mental Health Team Building Activities
How to do it: Organize activities like group yoga sessions or creative workshops that combine team bonding with stress reduction techniques.
How it supports employee mental health: These activities boost mental well-being while strengthening team cohesion.
Activities for work-life integration and burnout prevention
7. Encouraging Mental Health Days
How to do it: Allow employees to take dedicated mental health days without stigma or judgment.
How it supports employee mental health: Time away from work helps employees recharge, reducing burnout and improving overall mental wellness.
8. Flexible Work Schedules
How to do it: Offer options like remote work or flexible hours to accommodate employees’ personal life needs.
How it supports employee mental health: Flexibility empowers employees to manage stress and maintain good mental health.
9. Stress Reduction Workshops
How to do it: Organize workshops focused on stress management techniques, such as time management and self-care strategies.
How it supports employee mental health: These workshops equip employees with tools to manage stress effectively, enhancing their mental well-being.
Building awareness through gamification and creative campaigns
10. Mental Health Trivia Games
How to do it: Host trivia sessions on mental health topics with small prizes for winners.
How it supports employee mental health: Fun and educational activities promote mental health education and reduce stigma.
11. Wellness Challenges
How to do it: Create team challenges focused on physical health and mental well-being, such as step-count competitions or meditation streaks.
How it supports employee mental health: These challenges foster camaraderie while promoting physical and mental health.
12. Creative Mental Health Campaigns
How to do it: Launch campaigns that spread mental health awareness through posters, videos, or personal stories shared by employees. Give your employees space to be active participants in the campaign.
How it supports employee mental health: Creative campaigns encourage open conversations about mental health issues, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Best practices for implementing mental health exercises for work
Implementing mental health activities requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips:
Involve employees in the planning process to ensure activities meet their needs.
Secure leadership buy-in to demonstrate commitment to mental health initiatives.
Provide mental health resources and employee assistance programs to support ongoing wellness.
Regularly evaluate and refine activities based on employee feedback.
Ensure inclusivity by offering activities that cater to diverse preferences and needs.
By following these best practices, organizations can create sustainable mental health programs that benefit everyone.
How mental health activities create sustainable, healthy workplaces
Incorporating mental health activities has numerous benefits for both employees and organizations:
Improved Job Satisfaction: Employees feel valued and supported.
Enhanced Productivity: Reduced stress leads to better focus and efficiency.
Lower Absenteeism: Proactive mental health support reduces sick days.
Stronger Team Dynamics: Team-building activities foster trust and collaboration.
Positive Workplace Culture: Prioritizing mental health promotes a supportive and inclusive environment.
These benefits underscore the importance of addressing mental health concerns and promoting mental well-being in the workplace.
Final thoughts on workplace mental health exercises
Organizations that invest in mental health programs experience far-reaching benefits, from improved job satisfaction and employee well-being to enhanced workplace productivity. Programs such as regular mental health workshops, team mindfulness practices, and employee assistance programs create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. This ongoing support not only reduces stress and burnout but also builds resilience within teams.
Moreover, mental health awareness activities provide a platform for addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. Encouraging employees to share personal stories and participate in campaigns can normalize conversations about mental health issues and promote a supportive work environment. This, in turn, strengthens team dynamics and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
Lisa and I, co-founded Strengths Squared because we understand that supporting employees’ mental well-being requires commitment and consistency. However there is not a one size fits all solution. Every organization has their own unique ecosystem. Strengths Squared works with founders and their teams to create tailored programs. We have seen firsthand the transformative power of mental health initiatives that prioritize sustainable practices.
Mental health activities are not just about boosting morale—they are about creating workplaces where every employee can thrive. By spreading mental health awareness and integrating these practices into daily operations, organizations can ensure that mental wellness is not an occasional focus but a continuous priority. Contact Strengths Squared today to learn how we can partner with your team to build a healthier, more resilient workplace.