It’s no secret, work can be a lot sometimes. Emails flying in faster than your coffee kicks in. Back-to-back Zooms. That one spreadsheet that mysteriously breaks every Monday.
So when World Mental Health Day rolls around on 10th October, it’s not just another awareness day to nod at and scroll past, it’s a genuine opportunity for companies to pause, check in, and show their people that they matter. Not just for what they do, but for who they are.
And no, you don’t need to turn your office into a yoga retreat (unless you want to, we support that). Small, sincere actions go a long way. A thoughtful gesture. A conversation that isn’t about deadlines. A moment of calm in a chaotic week.
In this guide, we’re sharing simple, meaningful ways to mark World Mental Health Day at work, along with ideas for thoughtful gifting that says “we see you” without using those exact words.
Because taking care of your team’s mental health? That’s not just good leadership, it’s good business.
Mental Health in the Modern Workplace
Here’s the thing: mental health isn’t a “nice to have” on your company values page, it’s foundational. Especially now.
Between hybrid working, economic uncertainty, digital overload, and the relentless pressure to always be “on,” many employees are quietly running on empty. And it’s not just affecting their mood, it’s impacting productivity, engagement, and retention.
Let’s talk numbers for a second:
- 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.
- Mental health-related absence is the number one cause of long-term sick leave in UK workplaces.
- And yet? A majority of employees still don’t feel comfortable opening up at work about how they’re really doing.
This is where World Mental Health Day can be a powerful catalyst for taking real action.
It’s a chance for your organisation to say:
“It’s okay not to be okay here and we’re here to support your wellbeing.”
Because when people feel psychologically safe, supported, and genuinely cared for, they’re more creative. More loyal. More human.
And workplaces could use a little more of that.
6 Meaningful Ways to Mark World Mental Health Day at Work
Let’s skip the token gestures and focus on what actually matters: creating moments that show your team you care.
Here are six low-fuss, high-impact ways to mark World Mental Health Day in a way that feels human.
✅ 1. Start with Listening
Before planning activities, try this radical idea: ask your team what they need.
- Run a quick anonymous pulse survey
- Create a shared space (Slack channel, virtual post-its) where people can drop thoughts, ideas, or just vent
- Encourage managers to check in, not just with “How’s work?” but “How are you doing?”
Even if you don’t have all the answers, giving people a space to be heard is a strong first step.
✅ 2. Create Space for Conversation
Talking about mental health shouldn’t feel like a big, awkward deal. Make it feel normal.
- Host a guest speaker, lived-experience storyteller or mental health advocate
- Run a mental health “lunch & learn” session
- Share team-wide reflections or wellness stories (opt-in, of course)
The more these conversations happen, the less stigmatised they become.
✅ 3. Encourage a Mental Health Pause
Sometimes, the kindest thing a company can offer is less. Less noise, less pressure, fewer meetings.
- Block out a no-meetings morning or afternoon
- Offer an early finish or late start
- Set up a quiet room, or recommend screen-free time
Bonus points if you pair it with snacks. (Always snacks.)
✅ 4. Send a Thoughtful Wellbeing Gift
A small, tangible gesture can go a long way, especially for remote or hybrid teams.
Our Peace and Wonder gift boxes are made for this moment:
- Curated for calm, care, and comfort
- Delivered to their door, with a personalised message
- Includes a £1 donation to Mind, supporting mental health initiatives in the UK
Because sometimes, a cup of herbal tea, a mindful moment, or a little chocolate is the best kind of check-in.
✅ 5. Signpost to Real Support
Make sure your team knows where to go after the day ends.
- Share links to your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Recommend trusted helplines, apps, or mental health platforms (like Mind, Headspace, or Shout)
- Keep resource links in visible places—on your intranet, Slack, or even kitchen noticeboards
Sometimes people won’t ask for help until they really need it, so make sure they don’t have to go digging.
✅ 6. Don’t Let It Be a One-Off
One day is great. But sustained support? That’s where the magic happens.
Use World Mental Health Day to:
- Commit to training mental health first aiders
- Revisit or launch a mental health policy
- Build mental wellbeing into your annual gifting calendar or employee experience strategy
It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, consistently.
Gifting That Supports Mental Health Conversations
Let’s be honest: sometimes words are hard, especially when it comes to mental health.
That’s where gifting can step in, not as a fix-all solution, but as a simple, powerful way to say:
“We care. We see you. Take a moment for yourself.”
The right gift isn’t about ticking a box or sending branded merch no one asked for. It’s about creating a tangible moment of pause, connection, and wellbeing, especially for remote or hybrid teams who might be feeling a little out of sight, out of mind.
We believe that thoughtful gifting can spark meaningful moments of care. That’s why our wellbeing gift boxes are curated with purpose not just products.
Here are two perfect-for-the-occasion options:
🎁 Peace
Designed to help your team slow down, breathe, and recharge, Peace is packed with soothing self-care items like herbal tea, bath crystals, and mindful prompts. It’s a gentle reminder to prioritise rest, without needing to say a word.
✅ Includes a £1 donation to Mind, supporting mental health across the UK
🎁 Wonder
For the colleague who’s always juggling a million tabs, Wonder is a calming blend of wellness treats and uplifting tools. Think desk-friendly relaxation, mood-boosting snacks, and feel-good rituals, all wrapped in one gorgeous box.
✅ Also includes a £1 donation to Mind
Help your team switch off and truly rest with Sleep, a soothing self-care gift created to promote relaxation, better sleep and a healthier work-life balance.
What’s inside?
- Satin sleep mask, bath balm, scrub pad & herbal sleep drink
- Mindful touches like tealights and a Serene postcard
- Chocolate, because self-care should be sweet, too
✅ Includes a £1 donation to Mind
💤 Ideal for burnout prevention, remote teams, or wellness-focused campaigns
🎉 Appreciation
Sometimes the best way to support mental health is through recognition. Appreciation is designed to lift spirits and energise your team with a thoughtful mix of snacks, wellness treats and feel-good touches.
What’s inside?
- Plant-based sweets, popcorn, Tony’s chocolate
- Heated eye mask, super greens, and a productivity pad
- A message of thanks they’ll actually remember
✅ Includes a £1 donation to Mind
🌱 A great fit for employee recognition, wellbeing weeks or team celebrations
💪 Athena
Celebrate and empower with Athena – a premium, socially conscious gift box that supports women-owned brands while promoting mental wellbeing.
What’s inside?
- Guided gratitude journal, calming room spray & bath salts
- Mini mallows, wellness shot, and beautifully curated packaging
- Ideal for recognising women in leadership, DEI initiatives or client care
✅ Includes a £1 donation to Mind
🌍 Designed for impact – with a story behind every product
Make Mental Health Part of the Culture, Not Just the Calendar
World Mental Health Day is a brilliant reminder, but it’s just that: a reminder. The real impact happens when the conversation doesn’t stop at 5pm on 10th October.
Supporting mental health at work isn’t about doing everything, all at once. It’s about building a culture where people feel safe to be human. Where they know it’s okay to ask for help. Where rest isn’t earned, it’s encouraged.
So whether you’re planning a full week of activities, sending a few thoughtful gifts, or just starting small with a team-wide check-in, do it with intention. Your people will notice. And it matters more than you think.
At WellBox, we’re here to help you make wellbeing not just a moment, but a mindset.
💡 Ready to make World Mental Health Day meaningful this year?
Struggling to keep your team engaged beyond the occasional thank-you? Download our Employee Appreciation Toolkit – the practical guide to building a culture of recognition that lasts longer than just one awareness day.
✅ Actionable tips for recognising everyday wins and key milestones
🎯 Guidance on combining gifting with your wellbeing and values strategy
🌱 Inspiration for aligning appreciation with CSR and sustainability goals
