Mindful moments: A week of mental wellbeing initiatives for a happier workplace

Let's think about Teamwork Tuesdays, Wellbeing Wednesday, and Flexible Fridays — because injecting a little fun and creativity into every day can do a lot more to encourage good mental health & wellbeing habits.

A 2022 National Population Health Survey revealed that prevalence of poor mental health among Singapore residents aged between 18 to 74 was 17%, as cited by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower in November last year. 

According to the article, work stress can be derived from a series of factors and can relate to work content and context.  

Work content:  

Work content refers to working conditions, such as job scope, participation and control, workload, pace of work, and work schedule. 

Work context:  

Work context refers to the organisation of work and interactions at work, such as organisational culture and function, interpersonal relationships at work, and home-work interface.  

While some degree of work stressors will not have adverse effects, employers should be mindful that high levels of such stressors at work can harm employees’ mental wellbeing.

It is essential for employers to take mental health seriously in the workplace, as it will not only benefit their employees, but also the overall organisational success and sustainability. Below are some of the reasons it is crucial for workplaces to place mental wellbeing at the forefront of priorities, as distilled by Sarah Gideon:  

Increased productivity 

Employees with good mental health are more focused, engaged, and productive. Addressing mental health helps can help reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are present but underperforming due to stress. 

Reduced turnover 

A supportive mental health culture will reduce employee burnout and turnover. Workers are more likely to stay when they feel valued and supported in managing their wellbeing. 

Enhanced employee engagement 

Employees who feel their mental health is prioritised are more loyal and engaged, therefore leading to stronger collaboration, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. 

Lower healthcare costs 

By investing in mental health initiatives, employers can reduce the long-term costs associated with untreated mental health issues, which often lead to physical health problems. 

Improved workplace culture 

A mentally healthy workplace fosters a culture of trust, openness, and inclusivity and employees are more likely to support one another, creating a positive environment. 

Legal and ethical responsibility 

Employers have a duty of care to ensure the wellbeing of their employees. Ignoring mental health could possibly lead to legal ramifications, especially in relation to workplace stress and discrimination. 

HR professionals play a pivotal role in shaping a workplace that prioritises employee mental health. By implementing comprehensive policies and integrating regular mental health check-ins, HR can create a supportive environment where employees thrive both professionally and personally. 

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to incorporating mental wellbeing into the workplace over the course of a week. Use it as a flexible blueprint to implement bi-weekly or monthly, helping foster a healthier work environment while supporting employee wellbeing on an ongoing basis. 

Here’s how you can organise mental wellbeing activities throughout the week, bringing creativity and balance to the office: 

Mindful Monday: Begin the week with calmness  

Kick off the week with a focus on mindfulness. Begin meetings with a brief meditation or breathing exercise to clear the mind and set positive intentions. As Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This day is all about helping employees ride the challenges of the week with clarity. 

Teamwork Tuesday: Strengthening connections 

Focus on fostering strong workplace relationships. Pair employees up for a "mental health buddy system" or host a fun team-building exercise like gratitude sharing or collaborative problem-solving games.  

Wellbeing Wednesday: Midweek reset 

Offer wellbeing workshops, such as stress management techniques or mindfulness practices. You could also implement a "Digital Detox Hour" during lunch breaks, encouraging employees to step away from screens. It echoes the sentiment from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Thoughtful Thursday: Gratitude and reflection 

Dedicate Thursdays to reflection and gratitude. Set up a "Gratitude Tree" where employees can leave words of affirmation for one another, or invite them to participate in journaling exercises focused on what they're thankful for.  

Flexible Friday: Recharge and relax 

Allow employees the flexibility to take their breaks when they feel the need. Introduce "Take 10" wellbeing walks where teams can take short walks together, focusing on disconnecting from work and recharging for the weekend. This day is about empowering employees to manage their own mental wellness and close the week on a positive note. 

By structuring mental health initiatives throughout the week, you can help create a workplace that embraces wellbeing as an integral part of everyday life. 

As we celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October, let us remember to consciously incorporate these mental wellness initiatives not just on this day, but at least once a month, to not only promote a healthier and more productive workforce but also cultivate a culture of care and support. 

By consistently prioritising employee wellbeing, organisations can reduce stress, boost morale, and enhance overall job satisfaction. This commitment to mental health will therefore create a resilient workplace where employees will be able to thrive, leading to long-term success for both individuals and the company. 

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For more stories on mental wellbeing, feel free to check out our series here.