What is Mental Awareness Month?

Every year, during the month of May, Mental Awareness Month is observed to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. In addition to promoting mental health awareness, this month-long celebration aims to promote understanding, support, and acceptance of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and many other disorders.

The goal of Mental Awareness Month is to encourage people to talk openly about mental health, seek treatment when necessary, and promote mental well-being. It is a time to acknowledge the impact of mental health on individuals, families, and communities, as well as the importance of mental health care for overall health.

Why is it important to celebrate Mental Awareness Month in the workplace?

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, let's take a moment to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace. Feeling valued, connected, and secure can create a positive and productive environment for everyone. 

Even though Mental Health Awareness Month is an excellent time to highlight mental health and mindfulness, companies should strive to create an inclusive and welcoming work environment all year round. Talking about mental health should not be viewed as a passing corporate trend, but rather a sustained effort to support employees' mental well-being. 

When companies prioritize mental health, they show their employees that their mental health is just as important as their physical health. A message like this can have a significant impact on how employees view the company and their work environment. In addition to letting them know they are valued as individuals, it demonstrates that the company values them as human beings, not just as workers.

A few Mental Health Awareness Month Activities

As an employer, you can help raise awareness about mental health by promoting these activities at work.

1.Provide a relaxation corner 

A person's work environment plays a significant role in their mental health.

One way to promote a healthy work environment is to create an escape room for employees to unwind and destress. Plants, plenty of natural light, a sofa, meditation cushions, etc., are only some of the ways you can add some cozy touches to your relaxation corner. By making this space accessible throughout the year, employees can take a quick break whenever they need it to help them relax and recharge. 

2. Encourage taking “mental health days” among your employees 

Encourage employees to take mental health days when they feel overwhelmed or need simply a break. Take advantage of this month to explore the possibility of incorporating mental health days as part of your future benefit package. Make it clear to your employees that it's acceptable to take a day off for mental health reasons and that there will be no negative consequences for doing so. 

3. Create a Mental Health Resource Guide 

It is important for employees to recognize when they have a problem in order to be able to seek expert help if needed. Provide  a comprehensive guide that includes resources and information related to mental health, such as the contact information of mental health professionals, information on available mental health benefits, and tips on how to manage stress and anxiety.

4. Host a workshop on stress management 

Stress can cause chronic physical and emotional issues. It's important to address and manage stress early on before it develops into a long-term problem. 

As an employer, you can play a vital role in supporting your employees' mental health by organizing a stress management workshop.

Workshops on stress management can be an excellent way for employees to learn and practice different techniques for managing stress. Topics covered in the workshop can include time management, meditation, exercise, mindfulness, and other relaxation techniques. Reach out to a qualified professional, such as a counselor or health coach, who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

5. Host Mindful Meditation Sessions

Introducing mindful meditation into your workplace culture can have a significant impact on the well-being of your employees.

In these sessions, employees can learn how to pay attention to their breathing, observe their physical sensations, and observe their thoughts without judgment. These techniques can be practiced throughout the workday, providing a way for employees to de-stress and re-center their thoughts as needed. Additionally, mindfulness meditation can be practiced anywhere, so employees can maintain a sense of balance and well-being outside of work.

Consider scheduling mindful meditation sessions with an expert provider like YogaHub, which has experience in customizing sessions based on your needs and employee demographics.

6. Have a fun “Bring your pet to work” day

Every dog parent will agree with this statement: leaving our furry babies in the morning to go to work is heartbreaking. Consider arranging an event that invites workers to bring their pets to work, and see if that could lead to a pet-friendly office policy. Having the option to bring pets to the office can make a big difference in both the pet parent's and pet's well-being. 

Even those who don’t have pets at home can benefit from having a furry companion around. It's an opportunity to bring joy and companionship into the workplace, which can be particularly beneficial for those who dont have the opportunity to have a pet at home. Whether it's a dog, cat, or even a hamster, having pets around can promote positive social interactions and enhance the overall mood of the office.

7. Get your office together for a yoga day

Despite being an old favorite, this one never disappoints. Thus, it will always make the IT list. Yoga is a great way to improve both physical and mental health, making it a perfect activity for your workplace. Provide office yoga classes to promote team building and make employees feel more connected with their coworkers. The weather is getting warmer, so you may want to consider holding yoga sessions outside to create a calming and refreshing atmosphere. 

In order for everyone to have a positive experience during the yoga class, you must choose an instructor or provider who can customize the class based on the needs of your employees as well as those of your organization. Get in touch with YogaHub, a company with plenty of successful yoga wellness programs under its belt, which can assist you in creating the right experience for your employees.

8. Have a well-being day

Don't want to limit yourself to one activity? Make it a day dedicated to all the well-being activities that we mentioned, so everyone can find something they enjoy. You can create a variety of well-being stations that cater to different needs and preferences. For example, you might set up a hydration station with fruit-infused water, a coloring book station for a creative outlet, a quiet meditation area to promote mindfulness, and an area for stretching to encourage physical activity.