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On Friday, October 10, 2025, join the global movement for World Mental Health Day. Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, this initiative aims to promote mental health education, combat stigma, and raise awareness worldwide.
As today’s work landscape continues to evolve, it’s clearer than ever that mental health isn’t just a personal matter; it plays a vital role in the workplace too. This World Mental Health Day, take the opportunity to bridge gaps, start honest conversations, and break the silence around mental health at work.
Read on to discover how you can champion wellbeing at work and foster a culture that truly cares.
Mental health at work: More than wellness programs
Burnout, stress, and disconnection are all symptoms of an imbalance that significantly impacts mental health. These challenges not only impact employees’ personal lives, but also translate into the workplace, disrupting productivity, reducing a sense of belonging, and driving higher turnover in organizations.
It’s no surprise that wellbeing and positive employee engagement go hand in hand. According to research from the Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing see higher engagement levels, with employees more likely to report being physically and mentally healthy.
Ultimately, when employees feel valued and recognized, it fosters better mental well-being, benefiting both themselves and the organization they’re part of.
Recognition: A proven mental health ally
Recognition is a simple yet powerful driver of well-being in the workplace; it reduces stress, reinforces a sense of value, strengthens connection, and helps protect against burnout. It’s the “secret sauce” that can transform company culture for the better. At its core, recognition reminds employees that they matter, and that their contributions are seen and appreciated.
According to Gallup research, when employees feel that their organization genuinely cares about their wellbeing, they are:
- 4.4x more likely to be engaged at work
- 73% less likely to experience frequent burnout
- 7x more likely to strongly recommend their organization as a great place to work
Additionally, research by Forbes notes that when employees regularly feel valued and supported, they experience greater loyalty, fulfillment, and satisfaction, which in turn leads to 43% higher retention rates and longer anticipated tenure.
5 ways to support mental health at work
One of the most effective ways to support mental health in the workplace is through meaningful recognition. Organizations can take action by incorporating recognition into everyday culture by using recognition platforms, launching campaigns tied to mental health initiatives, and linking recognition to tangible rewards.
Keep reading to explore how each of these strategies can help build a more supportive, mentally healthy workplace for World Mental Health Day and beyond:
1. Spotlight mental wellness champions
Whether it’s running mindfulness sessions, leading walking groups, or simply checking in on peers, employees who advocate for wellness play a vital role in creating a supportive workplace culture. Encourage mindful leadership by having managers and senior leaders recognize and reward these efforts in meaningful ways, such as:
- Spotlighting advocates in team meetings or newsletters
- Offering wellness-related rewards, like a paid half-day off or wellness stipend
- Giving public shoutouts on internal platforms or social channels
This kind of visible recognition not only reinforces positive behavior but also normalizes wellness initiatives and encourages others to get involved. It communicates that mental health support is not only valued, but vital.
2. Empower peer-to-peer mental health appreciation
Use an employee rewards program like Achievers to encourage recognition for meaningful actions, including empathy, active listening, and emotional support. These small acts of care can make a big difference in fostering workplace mental health.
Some standout features of Achievers that help promote peer-to-peer mental health appreciation include:
- A personalized newsfeed showcasing interactive recognitions and updates
- Nomination-based rewards that are customizable and automatically shared on the newsfeed for added visibility
- Real-time analytics to surface recognition trends, track engagement, and identify areas for growth
Tools like Achievers make recognition seamless and intuitive, so that acknowledgment and support become a natural part of an organization’s culture, and not an afterthought.
3. Create personalized mental health eCards
Launch a campaign using eCards to celebrate vulnerability, resilience, and mental strength. Personalized mental health eCards can recognize employees for their courage in speaking up, their support of others, or even for simply showing up on difficult days.
Some meaningful ways to tailor these messages include:
- Sharing thoughtful, encouraging notes from peers
- Highlighting specific actions or traits that made a positive impact
- Including wellness tips or resources linked directly within the card
These small but powerful gestures help normalize conversations about mental health, foster emotional connection across teams, encourage participation in employee wellness programs and remind employees that true strength lies not only in perseverance but also in seeking support.
4. Run a World Mental Health Day campaign
A dedicated campaign is a powerful way to spark engagement and spotlight mental health in the workplace. Use themes like #MindfulMoments or #RecognizeWellbeing to encourage conversations, highlight employee wellness, and bring your organization together in meaningful ways.
Some impactful campaign activities could include:
- Guided meditation or movement breaks throughout the day
- Peer-led employee wellness talks to share lived experiences
- Mental health check-in booths for confidential support
A gratitude wall where employees can recognize and encourage one another
By combining recognition with purposeful activities, a World Mental Health Day campaign doesn’t just create a moment of awareness — it helps cultivate a supportive culture and a truly healthy work environment that lasts beyond the day itself.
5. Tie recognition to mental health-friendly rewards
One of the most meaningful ways to recognize and empower employees is by giving them the opportunity to redeem points to choose their own wellness-focused perks. Whether it’s extra time off, therapy sessions, meditation app subscriptions, financial wellness tools, or nature-based experiences, these rewards send a clear message: their wellbeing matters.
Other mental health-friendly rewards could include:
- Wellness stipends or self-care kits
- Subscriptions to mindfulness or sleep apps (e.g., Calm, Headspace)
- “No meeting” afternoons or quiet focus hours
- Journals, aromatherapy kits, or guided reflection tools
By offering flexible, thoughtful rewards, organizations can actively support wellbeing while recognizing the unique ways individuals recharge and care for themselves.
Beyond the day: Building a culture of care year-round
Let World Mental Health Day be an opportunity to embed mental health into the workplace long after the day has passed. Maintain momentum with ongoing, culture-driven recognition that prioritizes mental health throughout the entire year.
Encourage leaders to model openness and foster psychological safety by sharing their own experiences, encouraging mental health conversations, and creating space for vulnerability. Support this commitment with regular pulse checks using Achiever’s feedback features, including real-time analytics that proactively identify stressors before they lead to burnout.
Regular recognition and open dialogue are key to fostering genuine wellness in the workplace. At the end of the day, recognition goes beyond simple appreciation; it’s a crucial part of an effective wellness strategy.
Conclusion: Let’s recognize what really matters
Mental health is the foundation of a thriving, resilient workforce. Move beyond performance metrics and deadlines to promote psychological safety, emotional well-being, and authentic human connection.
World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that every “thank you” can be a lifeline. Consistent appreciation and recognition can shift workplace culture, creating a space where employees feel seen, valued, and supported, not just for what they do, but for who they are.
With Achievers, recognition becomes a powerful tool to build healthier, happier workplaces — one moment of appreciation at a time.
