While mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being, it’s often overlooked and ignored — particularly in the workplace. However, we also spend a significant portion of our day at work, and it is vital that everyone feels comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with their colleagues and managers. As one in five adults in the U.S. today live with a mental illness, it’s critical that employers who want to retain talent and create a supportive work environment have a strategy in place for addressing mental health issues among their employees.
At RippleMatch, we firmly believe that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, and we are committed to fully supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our team. As the DE&I lead, one of the ways I contribute to raising mental health awareness in the workplace is by organizing activities and workshops. Hosting a mental health awareness event or workshop can foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, while also promoting education and awareness regarding mental health. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of hosting a Mental Health Awareness Month (May) activity or mental health-focused event in your workplace.
What are some event ideas to promote mental health awareness in the workplace?
There are numerous ways to organize a mental health awareness activity or event at work. Here are some of my top ideas to get you started:
- Lunch and Learn: Arrange a lunch and learn session on mental health topics. Invite a mental health expert or professional to share insights, resources, and support for employees.
- Group Wellness Activity: Plan a group activity that promotes mental health, such as a yoga class or meditation session. At RippleMatch, we have successfully organized virtual meditation sessions, in-person yoga sessions, and a company-wide steps challenge.
- Mental Health Education: Make educational resources on mental health topics available to your employees. This can include impactful posters, brochures, and other materials that enhance mental health awareness and education. Spend 30 minutes walking employees through where they access all of these materials, and offer time for employees to share stories about mental health at work.
- Create a Mental Health Toolkit: Develop a comprehensive mental health toolkit for your employees, containing valuable resources and tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions effectively. Spend 45 minutes explaining to employees where they find this toolkit and dive into one topic.
What are the factors I need to consider before planning my mental health-focused event?
To ensure the success of your mental health awareness activity or event, it is crucial that you consider the following factors during your planning process:
- Gaining Leadership Support: It is crucial to obtain buy-in and support from company leadership for your mental health initiatives in the workplace. That could mean setting up a meeting to present your project plan and statement of purpose (which we will discuss in detail shortly) to your leadership team.
- Establishing a Budget: Prepare a well-defined budget to allocate appropriate resources for your event. Be sure you understand your limitations and how much flexibility you have.
- Promoting the Event: Make sure you understand the best format for getting the word out there to your team, whether that’s email, Slack, Teams, or another communication tool.
- Providing Resources and Support: Ensure that employees aren’t left without resources after your event that can help them digest what you’ve discussed. For example, you may want to point your team to your workplace benefits that target mental health both before and after the event, such as free counseling services.
How can I plan an impactful mental health awareness workshop?
Now that you understand the most elements of a mental health awareness event, let’s dive into my framework for planning an exceptional and impactful program.
Creating a Project Plan
The initial step in hosting a mental health-related event is to develop a detailed project plan. Crafting such a plan is essential for gaining support from company leadership and staying organized throughout the process. Your project plan should include the following key elements:
- Statement of Purpose: Clearly define the motivation behind the event or activity you intend to host and what you hope to accomplish. Below is an example of a Statement of Purpose for an event focused on educating employees about mental illness:
“The purpose of this mental health workshop is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of various mental illnesses. Through this event, we aim to educate attendees about the different types of mental health conditions, their symptoms, and their impact on individuals’ lives. Our goal is to create a safe and judgment-free space where individuals can learn about mental illnesses, challenge existing stigmas, and develop empathy and understanding towards those living with mental health challenges. By sharing accurate and up-to-date information, we aim to empower participants to recognize the signs of mental illnesses, offer support to those in need, and promote a culture of compassion and inclusivity. Ultimately, our objective is to contribute to a more informed and supportive community that prioritizes mental health and advocates for the well-being of all individuals.” - When the Event Will Occur: Specify the date and expected duration of the event to help leadership and employees understand how much time to allocate for the event.
*At RippleMatch, we typically organize events ranging from 45 minutes to one hour. You may also want to consider the timing of your event — such as whether your employees would enjoy tuning in during a typical lunch break, or would prefer an activity later in the afternoon or after work hours. Plus, different days of the week may see different audiences, and you’ll want to avoid both busy times such as Monday mornings, and Friday afternoons when the team is wrapping up work before the weekend. One way to gauge when your employees would prefer an activity is to ask them to vote in a poll or fill out a survey - Logistical Information About Hosting the Event: Ensure your plan includes detailed logistical information about how you plan to host the event, specifically virtually or in-person. For virtual events, include Zoom information and instructions for calendar invites or relevant websites. In the case of in-person events, include the physical address and relevant details.
Finalizing Key Program Details
The next crucial step involves solidifying program details, including the flow of the event, host information, duration, and marketing plans. Consider the following aspects while finalizing program details:
- Event Description: Clearly outline the nature of the event. For example, if you’re planning to host a virtual meditation class, who will be running it? Is there anyone in-house who would like to take charge and has meditation expertise, or do you need to find an external host? You’ll also want to inform all participants about any preparation requirements or materials needed for the event, such as whether they should come in workout clothing. You’ll also want to specify the platform for attending virtual events, such as Zoom or third-party sites.
- Marketing and Communication Plan: Devise a comprehensive plan to promote the event. Determine specific dates for sending emails, Slack or Teams messages, and notifying team leadership. Be sure to outline the messaging and channels you will use for promotion. *
*For example, at RippleMatch, I created a dedicated Slack channel for DEI-related events and content, where I regularly share and promote our events. Additionally, I direct individuals to our DEI-related channel whenever I announce new event. - Plan B Plan: It’s possible that despite all your prep, things may not go to plan. Speakers can get sick, venues can flood, and your wifi can fail just as the Zoom session begins. It’s crucial that you consider all the factors involved in your event and that you have an alternative plan in case things go south.
*For example, I always ensure I have someone on my Zoom events who can serve as a “co-host” and can take over in case my computer malfunctions mid-event.
Post-Event: Sustaining the Momentum
So you’ve run a successful hour-long program. Now what? In the context of DEI-related events, it’s important that you strive to create lasting impact. At RippleMatch, we prioritize the longevity of our events beyond the actual activity day. Consider implementing the following measures:
- Participant Feedback: Encourage attendees to complete a survey at the end of the event, providing feedback and suggestions for future events. This feedback loop allows you to continuously improve the quality and relevance of your initiatives.
- Additional Resources: Offer supplementary resources to those interested in delving deeper into the subject matter. These resources may include relevant articles, podcasts, or workshops.
Hosting a mental health awareness event can serve as a powerful catalyst for promoting well-being in the workplace.By recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace and implementing effective strategies, employers can foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. From hosting lunch and learn sessions to offering mental health screenings and creating toolkits, the article has outlined various event ideas and steps to ensure the success of mental health awareness initiatives. By following these recommendations and promoting a safe and inclusive space, employers can contribute to the overall well-being of their workforce and create a lasting impact in the realm of mental health awareness.
