World Mental Health Day 2024 on October 10 carries a theme that hits close to home for many of us: Mental Health at Work.
It's a day that reminds us how deeply our jobs impact our mental well-being, often just as much as our closest relationships. Work can be both a source of fulfillment and a source of quiet suffering.
Yet, for too long, the mental health struggles people face at work have remained in the shadows, overlooked by companies that see the symptoms but don’t make the connection to the real problem.
What happens on World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day exists to raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe, and this year, the focus is on the workplace—where many of us spend the majority of our time. According to the World Health Organization, 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy $1 trillion in productivity. But behind those staggering statistics are individuals—employees who are struggling to get through their day, hiding their stress, anxiety, and burnout behind a professional mask.
This day isn’t just about statistics; it’s about acknowledging the human beings behind the numbers. It’s about recognizing that, often, the workplace contributes to the mental health crisis, whether through job insecurity, unrealistic expectations, or an overwhelming culture of busyness. This day serves as a wake-up call to companies to realize that work itself can exacerbate mental health challenges and that it’s time for employers to step up and make real change.
How do you celebrate World Mental Health Day?
Celebrating World Mental Health Day in the workplace doesn’t need to be a grand event. In fact, the most meaningful changes come from simple actions rooted in empathy. For employers, it begins with creating a space where employees feel safe enough to talk about their mental health without fear of judgment or repercussions.
One of the most powerful ways to observe this day is by opening up a dialogue. Leaders can lead by example, sharing their own mental health experiences, and encouraging their teams to speak about their struggles. Vulnerability from the top can be transformative, showing that it's not just okay, but necessary, to address mental health. This helps remove the stigma that so often surrounds mental health issues in the workplace.
Employers can also introduce or highlight mental health resources—whether it’s through employee assistance programs, access to therapy, or even offering mental health days. Giving employees the opportunity to take a break, focus on self-care, or engage in mindfulness practices is a way to show that their well-being is valued.
But World Mental Health Day should not be a one-time event. It’s the perfect starting point for ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health in the workplace, be it through offering regular mental health training, fostering a culture of open communication, or setting realistic workload expectations. It’s about committing to long-term change.
What to say on World Mental Health Day?
When addressing employees on World Mental Health Day, words matter. This is an opportunity to speak directly to the heart of the issue, to acknowledge the silent suffering many workers endure every day. Often, people are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression in isolation, feeling as though they need to keep up appearances or push through it alone. But work shouldn’t be a place that compounds these struggles—it should be a space where individuals feel supported, understood, and heard.
Leaders can start by acknowledging the challenges that employees face. “We understand that mental health is not always visible. Many of you may be dealing with stress or anxiety that goes unnoticed. Today, we want to make sure you know: it’s okay to not be okay. We are here to support you.”
Encouraging open conversations is crucial. "Mental health is something we all deal with, and it’s important to us that you feel safe and supported when you need help. Don’t feel like you have to struggle in silence—reach out, whether to a colleague, a manager, or a professional. Your mental health matters.”
Lastly, commit to action. It’s not enough to just talk about mental health on World Mental Health Day—it’s about making sure that conversations lead to real changes. “We are committed to building a workplace that prioritizes your well-being. This is just the beginning of our journey, and together, we will create a healthier environment where everyone can thrive, both personally and professionally.”
The Quiet Suffering in the Workplace
At the core of this year’s theme is the recognition that so many people are suffering quietly. We all know someone at work who seems fine on the outside but is struggling internally. Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s a colleague who stays late every night, looking exhausted but never speaking up. Maybe it’s your manager, who always seems stressed but never shows vulnerability. The reality is, work can become a breeding ground for mental health issues, especially when we are expected to push through without support or understanding.
World Mental Health Day 2024 gives us the opportunity to bring these issues to light. It’s a chance to remind ourselves and others that we don’t have to keep silent, that it’s okay to take a break, and that work should not be a place of suffering.
For employers, the message is clear: the best way to address the mental health crisis is through the workplace. By fostering a supportive culture, providing access to resources, and leading with empathy, organizations can make a significant difference in the lives of their employees.
Today is a reminder to stop and listen—to ourselves and to those around us. We have the chance to create a workplace where mental health is not an afterthought, but a priority. And that is where real change begins.