By Jo Kansagra, Head of People, Virgin Incentives and Virgin Experience Days
World Mental Health Day is an important moment for companies to pause, take stock, and talk openly about mental health in the workplace. That said, it is also important for businesses to realise that mental health does not only exist on one day of the year, and that their policies surrounding it should be reflective of this.
The schemes, strategies, and benefits which get the spotlight on World Mental Health Day will deliver their greatest value once the event is over, as they provide flexible, always there, and personalised support throughout the rest of the year.
All of this is not to say that work suddenly has to become all about mental health, in fact quite the opposite. Mental health support can move from something which people only seek out when they’re feeling low to an ingrained, always on system which quietly works in the background to lift people up, and steps forward when times get tough.
Benefits benefit mental health
Employee benefits play a key role. Things like flexible working, access to counselling, and mental health days, all give employees practical ways to look after themselves in a way which works for them.
This concept of meeting people where they are is the core pillar of these benefits actually getting used; not everyone will want, or need, each offering, and so employees should be made aware of what’s on offer, how to access it, and their various allowances.
Delivering mental health support in the form of benefits also offers good opportunities for personalisation. Different people will seek out wellbeing in different ways. Some might enjoy the gym, whilst others will find their peace in the spa or on a mindfulness course. A strong benefits programme recognises that one size fits all actually fits very few people at all.
“A strong benefits programme recognises that one size fits all actually fits very few people at all.”
Jo Kansagra, Head of People, Virgin Incentives and Virgin Experience Days
Turning wellbeing to culture with incentives
At the end of the day, it’s not possible for a benefits programme to carry an organisation’s wellbeing culture all by itself. To make a real difference, the positive buzz generated on World Mental Health Day needs to be carried through to the other 364 by creating an environment where people feel that they can speak honestly and without fear of repercussion and judgement.
Finding out what it is that employees actually want can seem like a daunting task to the uninitiated, but it needn’t be a tricky process. Keep things simple by asking people what they wish to see, receive, and be able to choose from as part of the overall mental health and wellbeing offering. This can be done through an anonymous survey, and is the best, easiest, and most effective way to ensure that employees have things they truly value available to them.
One day, to one year
The mental health calendar is the same as all the others: it spans 365 days, not one awareness day. World Mental Health Day is the time to reflect on existing policies, to communicate what is available to employees, and remind people of the importance of wellbeing and mental health at work. It is not, however, the finishing line when it comes to creating a culture of care. Use the day as a stage for the benefits and incentives which are on offer year-round to support people, and to cast the first stone of making mental health something which people think of all of the time. Mental health is a part of life, and life happens every day. Support should reflect this round the clock reality.
Key takeaways
- Keep wellbeing support available throughout the year and make access clear to employees.
- Offer a range of benefits so people can choose support that suits their needs.
- Use employee feedback to shape provision and build a culture where people can speak openly.
Related reading
- Creative wellbeing perks appear in just 0.31% of job adverts
- Employers should prioritise practical benefits for 2027
Illustrative photograph: Mizuno K / Pexels. Image source.
