The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has declared “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace” as the theme for World Mental Health Day 2024. This globally resonant theme, chosen by a vote involving participants from 116 countries, underscores the critical need to address mental health in our work environments.
For leaders, this campaign is an urgent call to action. The workplace, where adults spend a significant portion of their waking hours, can significantly impact mental well-being. Untreated mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, cost the global economy an estimated US$1 trillion annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the necessity of prioritising mental well-being at work.
This campaign promotes best practices for creating supportive and inclusive work environments. It focuses on managing stress, fostering social inclusion, and empowering employees to cultivate cultures where everyone can thrive and contribute productively.
Key highlights from the WFMH toolkit include:
- The economic impact of mental health issues and the benefits of addressing them.
- Strategies for global collaboration to enhance workplace mental health.
- Guidelines for planning impactful World Mental Health Day events, from marches to digital engagements.
As a Director on the Board of the WFMH and Chair of the Workplace Mental Health Sector, I invite leaders to join this movement and offer help to anyone who would like that. Recognising that prioritising mental health is both compassionate and strategically beneficial, we can foster a culture of care, boost morale, enhance performance, and drive innovation within our teams.
Learn more and access the full toolkit by visiting the WFMH campaign links provided.
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