World Mental Health Day focuses on the workplace in 2024
‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’.
That’s the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day which will be marked around the globe on October 10.
This year’s theme was chosen by more than 2,000 participants from 116 countries who are members of World Federation for Mental Health, the founder of World Mental Health Day.
“Excessive distress and mental ill health”
“Employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. In a myriad ways, and at its best, work can provide a livelihood and be a source of meaning, purpose, and joy.
“However, for too many people, work falls far short of its potential, failing to enhance our lives and detracting from our mental health and well-being in ways that result in excessive distress and mental ill health,” said Tsuyoshi Akiyama, WFMH President.
“Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive in workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance. When left untreated, the staggering economic cost is estimated at US$1 trillion annually by the WHO.
“Today, around the world, enlightened leaders strive to meet their duty of care, recognising that addressing the mental health needs of their workforce is not only beneficial for individuals but also for healthy and high-performing organisations.
“The data consistently demonstrate that prioritising workplace mental health is good for people, companies, and communities.”
The Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2024 report, low employee engagement now costs the global economy approximately $8.9 trillion USD, that’s $1 billion an hour. Here across the MENA region mentl calculates employers could be losing up to $50 million per hour.
With governments in the GCC pointing the way for wellbeing, through the UAE’s new mental health law and mental health strategy, Dubai’s new Mental Wealth Framework, and Saudi’s 2030 vision, it’s time for the private sector to join the movement.
One of the founding principles of ‘the mentl awards’ now in their second year ‘the mentl awards 2024’ is open to entries and works to celebrate organisations, across myriad industries, both in the private and public sectors, which prioritise mental health in their workplaces.
This year’s awards are open to the entire GCC with entries welcome from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Totally independent this years awards are chosen by a stellar lineup of judges, from healthcare leaders, inspirational athletes, paralympians, adventurers, CEOs and incredible advocate, all passionate about mental health and promoting cultures that thrive.
And, for organisations wanting to prioritise mental health in the workplace, mentl has created a pioneering consultancy which helps assess, build, communicate, deliver and evaluate wellbeing strategies through our ABCDE framework.
Our expert network
From globally-renowned clinicians, world adventurers, inspiring advocates, and team-building gurus to behavioural scientists, business psychologists, and human performance specialists, our network of experts build you the programme you need.
From the meeting room to the mountaintop, from ice baths to insights, and from the office to ocean waves, we’ll create a compelling narrative that engages your people.
