World Mental Health Day is held on 10 October every year. For workplaces, it is a chance to talk openly about mental health, remind people where support is, and try something that helps teams feel better at work. Below are twelve practical World Mental Health Day ideas for Australian workplaces, ideas for remote and hybrid teams, and ways to keep the momentum going after the day.
When is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is on 10 October each year. It was started in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, and the World Health Organization supports it. In Australia, October is also Mental Health Month in many states and territories, so there is a whole month to build on. The theme for each year is announced on the official World Mental Health Day websites.
Mental health affects every workplace. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around one in five Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.
12 World Mental Health Day ideas for the workplace
- Host a team sound bath or guided meditation. An hour of deep rest gives everyone a direct experience of what calming the nervous system feels like. We run sessions at our studio and at workplaces.
- Take a walking meeting. Swap one meeting for a walk outdoors.
- Hold a lunch and learn. Invite a psychologist or mental health educator to talk about stress, sleep or burnout.
- Run check-in conversations. Encourage managers to ask "How are you, really?" and to listen to the answer.
- Refresh everyone on the EAP. Explain how your Employee Assistance Program works, that it is confidential and usually free.
- Create a quiet room. Set aside a space where anyone can take ten minutes to reset.
- Book a no-meeting afternoon. Give people uninterrupted time to catch up or step away.
- Share personal stories. A leader talking about their own mental health does more than any poster.
- Offer a stretch or movement session. Gentle movement helps release the tension of desk work.
- Run a gratitude activity. A shared board or channel for thank-yous lifts the mood of a whole team.
- Healthy food and time to eat it. A shared lunch away from desks is simple and effective.
- Launch something that lasts. Use the day to start a regular wellbeing practice, not just a one-off event.
Ideas at a glance
| Idea | Effort | Cost | Remote-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound bath or guided meditation | Low | Medium | Online option |
| Walking meeting | Low | Free | Yes (walk and call) |
| Lunch and learn | Medium | Low to medium | Yes |
| Check-in conversations | Low | Free | Yes |
| EAP refresher | Low | Free | Yes |
| Quiet room | Medium | Low | No |
| No-meeting afternoon | Low | Free | Yes |
| Movement session | Low | Low to medium | Online option |
| Gratitude activity | Low | Free | Yes |
Ideas for remote and hybrid teams
- Run a short online guided meditation that everyone can join from wherever they are.
- Send a small wellbeing gift, such as a calming tea or a guided meditation download.
- Hold camera-optional check-ins so people can join without pressure.
- Encourage everyone to take a real lunch break away from the screen on the day.
Making it more than one day
A single day raises awareness, but lasting change comes from how work is designed every day. In Australia, employers also have duties to manage psychosocial risks at work, such as excessive workload, poor support and conflict. World Mental Health Day is a good moment to review how your workplace is going. Our guides to supporting employee mental health and corporate wellness programs in Australia are a good place to start, and our article on taking a mental health day off work can help staff understand their options.
Support services
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24 hours a day
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Head to Health: the Australian Government's mental health website
- In an emergency, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is on 10 October every year.
What can we do at work for World Mental Health Day?
Popular ideas include a team meditation or sound bath, walking meetings, a lunch and learn, check-in conversations and a refresher on your Employee Assistance Program.
Is October Mental Health Month in Australia?
Yes, October is Mental Health Month in many Australian states and territories, with events leading up to and following World Mental Health Day.
Give your team an hour to reset
If you would like to mark World Mental Health Day with something your team will feel, we would love to help. Please send us an enquiry and we will tailor a session to your team. Thank you for putting your people's wellbeing first.