Every year on October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and mobilize support for mental well-being.

For businesses and organizations, this day presents an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the mental health of employees, customers, and the broader community. In fact, more companies are prioritizing mental health activities than ever before, recognizing that it not only helps people but also makes good business sense (GreatPlaceToWork).

Workplace stress and poor conditions are leading contributors to mental health struggles. Supporting your employees on this day (and beyond) can boost engagement, reduce burnout, and strengthen retention. Employees who feel cared for are 60% more likely to stay with their employer and report higher productivity.

Why Businesses Should Recognize World Mental Health Day

Mental health has become a workplace priority. The WHO’s 2024 campaign emphasized “Mental Health at Work”, highlighting how safe, supportive environments protect mental well-being, while toxic or stressful conditions can undermine it.

Employers who invest in mental health programs can see a return of up to 4x in improved health outcomes and productivity (GreatPlaceToWork). It’s not surprising then that nearly 90% of employers worldwide have increased their mental health initiatives in recent years.

By recognizing World Mental Health Day, businesses:

• Show genuine care for employees
• Help reduce stigma and encourage open conversations
• Build stronger teams through empathy and inclusion
• Strengthen company culture and trust

In short: supporting mental health is both the right thing to do and a smart business decision.

World Mental Health Day Activities for the Workplace

Companies can organize a range of meaningful, low-cost, and high-impact activities to mark the day. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Guided Mindfulness or Meditation Sessions

• Host a short meditation or breathing exercise session (live or virtual).
• Offer employees practical stress-management tools.
• Show that it’s okay to pause and recharge during work hours (Twello).

2. Leadership Open Conversations or Panels

• Organize a panel where leaders share personal experiences about mental health.
• Keep it informal, honest, and stigma-free.
• Let employees ask questions in an open Q&A session (Twello).

3. Company-Wide “Mental Health Pause”

• Block 30 minutes on all calendars for a work-free break.
• Encourage activities like walking, stretching, or simply relaxing.
• Have managers lead by example by also unplugging (Twello).

4. Team-Building for Fun and Connection

• Plan a group lunch, trivia game, or casual event.
• Positive social interactions reduce isolation and build community.

5. Interactive Workshops & Training

• Offer Mental Health First Aid training.
• Host lunch-and-learn sessions on resilience, stress management, or work-life balance.
• Equip employees with long-term skills to support one another.

6. Creative Expression Activities

• Launch a “Wellness Mural” or digital vision board.
• Encourage employees to add drawings, quotes, or images about well-being.
• Alternatively, collect anonymous notes with self-care tips for a “Wall of Wellness.”

7. Gratitude & Appreciation Initiatives

• Create a Gratitude Wall (physical or virtual) for thank-you notes.
• Encourage peer shout-outs and positive affirmations.
• Gratitude practices reduce stress and increase happiness.

8. Physical Wellness Activities

• Organize a Walk-and-Talk meeting outdoors.
• Host a group stretch, desk yoga, or short workout class.
• Encourage a digital detox – no non-essential screen time or after-hours emails.

9. Share Mental Health Resources

• Compile a resource library with books, apps, hotlines, and EAP details.
• Make it easily accessible online or via internal channels.
• Encourage employees to contribute suggestions.

10. Policy Initiatives

• Introduce paid mental health days in your leave policy.
• Trial a no-meetings day to reduce pressure and give focus time.
• Announce these on World Mental Health Day for maximum impact.

World Mental Health Day for Remote & Hybrid Teams

For remote or hybrid companies, activities can be adapted:

• Host a virtual mindfulness session via Zoom.
• Encourage managers to schedule virtual coffee breaks with no work talk.
• Offer an early log-off or flexible hours on October 10.
• Share mental health resources on Slack or your intranet.

These small actions remind distributed teams that their well-being is a priority.

What Online Businesses & Ecommerce Stores Can Do

World Mental Health Day isn’t just for offices – online businesses and Shopify stores can also show support through creative campaigns.

1. Launch a Mental Health Day Website Campaign

• Create a dedicated landing page for the day.
• Share your commitment, promote mental health resources, or highlight a cause.
• With Canvify, you can design a page in Canva and publish it instantly to Shopify, making it easy to launch a themed campaign without coding.

2. Cause-Based Promotions

• Donate a percentage of sales from October 10th to a mental health charity.
• Offer a limited-edition product (e.g., green ribbon merchandise) with proceeds supporting awareness.
• Promote it with clear, empathetic messaging on your site and social channels.

3. Social Media & Content Engagement

• Share mental health tips, facts, or personal stories.
• Run a hashtag campaign (e.g., #WellnessWithYourBrand) encouraging followers to share self-care ideas.
• Repost user-generated content to build community.

4. Internal Support for Online Teams

• Allow staff to take a mental health day or a half-day off.
• Host an online group activity, like a guided meditation or casual chat.
• Share behind-the-scenes team participation in your campaign.

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental well-being is essential for both people and businesses. On October 10, companies worldwide have the chance to organize meaningful activities, from meditation breaks to team panels, that help employees feel supported and valued.

The most important thing is authenticity. Employees and customers alike value genuine support over performative gestures. Whether it’s a quiet pause, a gratitude wall, or a full campaign, every step contributes to breaking stigma and promoting healthier workplaces.

By participating in this global initiative, your organization not only supports its people but also strengthens its brand as one that values health, compassion, and community.