How to Truly Support Mental Health at Work During Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is more than a calendar date – it’s a critical reminder that workplace wellbeing isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
But here’s the question most companies miss:
Are we actually supporting mental health, or just wearing green ribbons and reposting hashtags?
🔍 The Problem: Performative Support Is Hurting, Not Helping
Many workplaces treat Mental Health Awareness Week like a one-off event:
-A motivational speaker on Monday
-A wellbeing newsletter on Wednesday
-A fruit basket in the kitchen by Friday
All well-meaning, but fleeting. The truth? Employees see through it – and it’s costing you trust, productivity, and retention.
✅ The Solution: Turn Awareness into Action
Here’s how to lead with empathy and embed mental wellbeing into your culture:
1. Listen Before You Launch
Too often, companies assume what their people need.
-Run anonymous wellbeing surveys
-Host listening circles or “mental health town halls”
-Gather insights by department, not just company-wide
🧠 Top tip: Neurodivergent and marginalised staff often have very different stressors. Segment your data.
2. Equip Your Managers to Spot the Signs
Managers are your frontline. But most aren’t trained to:
-Recognise burnout, anxiety, or masking
-Have compassionate, legally safe conversations
-Signpost to appropriate internal or external support
💬 Training should include real-life case studies, role play, and neuroinclusive frameworks.
3. Review Your Work Culture: Is It Actually Healthy?
Ask yourself:
-Are we rewarding overworking?
-Do people feel safe taking mental health days?
-Are boundaries respected (e.g. emails after 6 PM)?
🔍 According to Mind UK, 1 in 5 employees have taken a day off due to stress—but 90% cited a different reason. That’s a culture problem, not a person problem.
4. Offer Meaningful Benefits—Not Just Perks
Mental health benefits should be:
-Easy to access (no 12-step login processes)
-Inclusive (therapy, coaching, breathwork, group support)
-Customisable (some prefer 1:1, others group or digital)
🧩 At CorpWell, our clients can blend in-person, online, and culturally competent support tailored to their teams.
5. Make This Week the Start, Not the Peak
Mental Health Awareness Week should be your launchpad.
-Announce long-term wellbeing goals
-Set up monthly check-ins with staff
-Share progress and success stories transparently
🗓️ Think quarterly reviews, not yearly token gestures.
Conclusion: Awareness is the Start- Consistency is the Solution
Mental Health Awareness Week is your opportunity to shift from good intentions to real impact.
If your employees can’t feel your commitment to their wellbeing, they won’t believe it’s real.
Ready to build a mentally healthier workplace?
Let CorpWell help you co-create a bespoke mental health strategy that works every week of the year.
Explore our wellbeing services or book a discovery call.
