October 10th – World Mental Health Day: Real Connection, Not Just Recognition

Why Mental Health Deserves More Than a Day

According to research by Unum, a specialist employee benefits provider, 10 million employees faced mental health issues in 2024. [i] It’s clear to see that World Mental Health Day has never been more important.

Organisations are recognising that it’s important to mark the day, but unless there is an embedded culture of supporting mental health at work, these gestures can feel rather superficial. Sending an email on World Mental Health Day, putting up a poster or two or including a hashtag on that day’s social media post: these short-term initiatives miss the need for a deeper human connection.

A Government report[ii] found that:

“Addressing loneliness and supporting social connections as part of workplace wellbeing has benefits for both employers and employees. The cost of loneliness to UK employers has been estimated to be £2.5 billion every year. These costs are primarily due to increased staff turnover, lower wellbeing and productivity, the impact of caring responsibilities, ill health, and associated sickness absence.”

In short: meaningful connection is one of the most powerful, low-cost ways to support mental wellbeing at work.

The Power of Genuine Connection

In a busy workplace, it’s easy to fall into the trap of polite small talk and rushed “hellos.” But these interactions don’t create real connection.

To really tackle isolation and protect against a slide to loneliness, it’s vital to encourage genuine attention; ensuring every team member feels seen and heard.

This is especially important in busy or hybrid teams, where people can feel disconnected even when “in contact.”

Token Connections That Do Matter

As a business, there’s almost nothing worse than being accused of “tokenism.” But maybe it’s time we redefined “token” connections?

Instead, think of these moments or actions not as performative, but as small, intentional moments of care. Even brief interactions can have an outsized impact when they’re sincere.

For example, someone asking “how are you really?”, a spontaneous check-in, a quick but personal Slack message – these small actions can build real connection and a foundation for a genuine sense of workplace community.

Practical Ways to Build Micro-Connections

Here are my top tips for quick, actionable ideas for building micro-connections at work:

• Start meetings with a check-in question.

• Make time for 5-minute, agenda-free chats.

• Use mental health day as a prompt to pause and connect, not just post.

• Create “connection rituals” for remote teams (e.g., virtual coffee breaks).

What Will You Do on October 10th?

This year on World Mental Health Day, October 10th, think beyond awareness campaigns. Think about the ways you can build micro connections into your day and make these a regular part of all your interactions. Remember, lasting change starts with consistent, human moments - not just annual campaigns.

To find out more about building a sense of workplace community and workplace wellbeing, contact me to explore my team wellbeing days and retreats.

[i] https://www.unum.co.uk/about-us/media/mental-health-issues

[ii] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employers-and-loneliness/employers-and-loneliness#executive-summary