World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10th and led by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides an important platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and rally support for mental wellness globally. This year’s campaign focuses on mental health at work, emphasizing the essential role that workplaces play in promoting the mental wellbeing of employees.
To honor this day, it’s crucial to reflect and consider how we can create safe, healthy, and supportive work environments. This blog will cover two important areas: first, what employers and workplaces can do to create mentally-healthy environments; and second, the actions and steps employers can take to support and advocate for the mental health of everyone in the workplace. Together, we can build healthier, more supportive workplaces that benefit everyone.
The impact of leadership’s approach to mental health is undeniable. A 2024 poll on workplace mental health conducted by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that more than three-quarters of employees believe supervisors, HR, and senior leadership should be responsible for helping employees feel comfortable discussing mental health at work -- with 86%, 85%, and 78% respectively underscoring the importance of this support. Leaders set the tone for mental health practices, and their actions play a crucial role in shaping employee attitudes toward self-care and wellbeing.
As Mike Kohn, Kevel’s Chief People Officer, emphasizes, “Time off, I think, is the clearest example.” At Kevel, the implementation of its unlimited PTO policy is a direct reflection of this philosophy. A common concern among workers regarding unlimited PTO is that, without specific limits, taking time off can feel risky. To address this, Kevel has established a culture where taking time off is the norm -- leaders go on vacation, too.
Mike explains, “We’ve added bounds to the policy that describes a minimum amount that we expect, and, as is frequently true, it comes from the top. Our leadership team takes time off and takes vacation. Without that norm, without that expectation, it can become a ‘Can I? Should I?’ That added mental strain undermines the idea of what wellness is trying to do.”
Leading by example is the most effective way to show employees that prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not only acceptable but encouraged.
Creating policies and offering benefits that prioritize health and wellbeing demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee wellness. Whether through unlimited or generous PTO or inclusive healthcare, these tangible elements impact every worker’s day-to-day life and reflect a dedication to wellness.The NAMI 2024 poll reinforces this through its findings that 92% of employees say mental health coverage is important to creating a positive workplace culture.
“For the last several years we’ve provided full healthcare coverage for everyone at the company and their families,” Mike shares. “All of that is really to make sure people can get the wellness that they need.” Similarly, your HR representatives and people managers should actively advocate for employee health. At Kevel, the People team is available to assist with confidential health-related conversations, decision-making, and how best to utilize insurance and health benefits -- an approach any company invested in its workforce should adopt. “We’re that safe space,” Mike explains. “How can we be a resource so that you can get what you need from our end so that you can take care of yourself first as a human and then come back to work engaged and driven?”
The work doesn’t stop with the initial setup of employee benefits. It’s essential to understand employees as individuals and adapt to their evolving needs. Companies should continuously update their benefits and wellness programs to keep pace with the changing demands of their workforce. As Mike explains, Kevel “always has a desire to expand our benefits where people need them, and so much of what we do is trying to understand how to better support our team.”
Building policies that genuinely reflect your business’s values can create a positive workplace culture that treats employees as humans first and foremost.
Creating a culture of transparency and open communication is key to creating a psychologically safe workplace. When employees feel understood, connected to their teammates, and, most importantly, safe to speak up, it builds an environment of trust and openness. Regular, healthy two-way dialogue between employees and leaders can significantly boost morale, productivity, and overall mental health outcomes.
At Kevel, normalizing open communication is engrained in the culture. As Mike explains, “We’ve normalized communication by focusing on the outcomes and needs, and having one-on-one conversations.”
Incorporating transparency and strong communication practices at all levels of your organization not only strengthens teams, but also leads to a healthier workplace culture, where team members are more willing to share concerns, provide and receive feedback, and celebrate wins together.
In the midst of a “loneliness epidemic”, feeling connected to colleagues can play a crucial role in supporting mental health. Building relationships and fostering a sense of community can actively counter toxic work environments -- an issue that 62% of workers cite as a major contributor to their mental health struggles, according to Forbes.
Here are a few ways Chief People Officer Mike Kohn suggests to help employees foster connections at work:
The phrase “work-life balance” gets thrown around a lot, but it really is essential to supporting health and wellbeing. Offering flexible work arrangements and prioritizing outcomes over rigid hours allows employees to better manage both personal and professional responsibilities. The freedom to structure their workdays to suit their lives offers big returns on employee job satisfaction and mental health.
According to the American Psychological Association, 95% of workers feel it’s crucial to work for an organization that respects boundaries between work and nonwork time. When these boundaries are respected, employees experience less stress -- something 80% of workers cite as a major challenge in the workplace.
Employee turnover risk is currently at its highest level since 2015, according to a study by Gallup. The same study revealed that 45% of voluntary leavers report that neither a manager nor another leader had proactively discussed their job satisfaction or future within the organization in the three months leading up to their departure. Among those whose managers did engage with them during that time, fewer than 3 in 10 had a conversation about their career progression with the organization.
That’s why investing in both career development and mental health isn’t just the right thing to do -- it’s also a smart business strategy. “When organizations prioritize career growth and mental wellbeing, they not only enhance employee engagement and satisfaction but also improve retention rates,” notes Mike. “A thriving workplace is one where employees feel empowered to grow and develop their skills.”
Additionally, Forbes finds that 48% of workers attribute mental health struggles to job insecurity or economic concerns, while 43% of workers point to a lack of growth opportunities. When employees feel stagnant or overwhelmed, it can negatively affect both their performance and mental wellbeing. Establishing clear pathways for career growth not only alleviates stress and anxiety but also fosters transparency, consistency, and motivation.
As Mike explains, “People work best when they feel supported. When employees see clear growth opportunities, they feel more secure and motivated. It reduces stress and anxiety, creating a positive feedback loop between career success and mental wellbeing.”
While workplace culture and the institutional systems that influence our mental wellness may not always be within our control, there are proactive steps you can take to support your mental health while at work. To better understand how employees balance work and wellness, we surveyed Kevel team members about the strategies they use to advocate for their mental wellbeing. Let’s delve into these findings and discover ways to foster mental wellness on an individual level.
It’s often said that having a routine is essential for supporting mental wellness throughout the workday. In our survey, 40% of respondents highlighted the importance of a structured daily schedule in maintaining focus and achieving a positive work-life balance.
“It’s crucial to find a routine that aligns with your natural energy peaks,” explains Lucas Wiese, Kevel Strategic Account Manager. “For example, I’m most productive in the afternoon, so I use my mornings to clear emails, schedule calls, and plan my day, reserving focused work, like data analysis, for when my energy is highest.”
Creating a clear boundary between your personal and professional life is essential for maintaining mental wellness -- especially in a remote work environment. In our survey, 32% of respondents emphasized the importance of establishing distinct spaces and routines to optimize remote work.
Craig Andera, a Principal Engineer at Kevel, highlights that separation is good for more than just the individual, but for the family as well. “Have a location where you work to help provide a separation between 'home mode' and 'work mode' for both you and your family,” he suggests. “It can be very difficult for family members to internalize that you are grappling with stuff that requires your concentration when they see you sitting there staring at a screen.”
Jenn Choo, a Kevel Marketing Director, echoes the sentiment, advising, “Build in time to have your coffee or tea away from your workspace in the morning, block out a lunch time to eat away from your desk or take a walk and set an end of the day time that you stick to.” By carving out dedicated workspaces and sticking to a structured schedule, you can reduce mental strain and create a balance that’s healthier for both you and those around you.
Before starting or intensifying a workout routine, it’s essential to consider your individual health needs. If you are recovering from an eating disorder, have a history of anxiety or panic attacks, take medications such as beta-blockers or lithium, or have a medical condition that could pose risks, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional. Tailoring the intensity and duration of physical activity to your unique situation will help ensure it benefits your mental and physical health.
Incorporating regular movement into your daily routine is a powerful way to enhance both your mental and physical wellbeing. Exercise can improve mental clarity, focus, and contribute to a more restful sleep. 36% of our survey respondents said that staying active plays a role in their mental health wellness.
“Exercise is a good way to oxygenate your brain, get away from the computer, and clarify your thoughts," shares David Jimenez, Senior Solutions Architect at Kevel. Taking time for physical activity during breaks helps reset the mind, promoting greater productivity and well-being throughout the day.
Taking regular breaks throughout the workday helps prevent burnout and sustain productivity. Whether it's through short walks, stretching, or simply pausing to regroup, breaks will allow you to return to work with a refreshed mindset and new perspective.
“Set a timer or alarm to get up and take breaks,” advises Vinod Karup, a Software Engineer at Kevel. “Don’t trust yourself to ‘break after this next task.’” Creating intentional pauses in your day can prevent you from getting lost in a cycle of back-to-back tasks, which can lead to mental fatigue. Short breaks, particularly those that include some movement or fresh air, can help reset your mind and improve overall mood.
Amy Leong, a Sales Operations Manager at Kevel, adds, “Also make sure you take vacations and make sure you still take the time to disconnect from your work.” Whether it’s a quick recharge or a full vacation, taking time to truly step away from work can do wonders for your long-term-wellbeing.
Mindfulness and meditation may take time to develop, but once integrated into your routine, they can be powerful tools for managing stress and improving mental clarity. Some key benefits of meditation include:
Tim Ewald, Kevel’s Chief Technology Officer, shares his mindfulness strategy: "Sometimes during the day if I need a break, I step into the garden or my workshop to ground and center myself." Taking these brief moments to pause and reset can make a significant difference, especially during high-stress periods.
You can start practicing mindfulness through guided meditations, apps, or simple techniques like focused breathing or a mental body scan. These practices can help you regain control over your mental state, fostering a stronger sense of wellbeing.
Here at Kevel, as a fully remote-first and global company, we’re especially passionate about promoting wellness in the workplace. As a company that values flexibility and employee wellbeing, we strive to create an environment that supports mental health.
Kevel offers unlimited PTO, wellness days, and a two-week winter holiday break to ensure employees have ample time to recharge and prioritize their mental health. Our flexible work schedule empowers employees to design a routine that suits their personal needs, promoting balance and reducing stress.
In addition, our dedicated People Team actively advocates for employees, ensuring their voices are heard and that resources for mental and physical wellbeing are available. Kevel is committed to providing a supportive environment where employees can thrive.
At Kevel, wellness isn't just a perk—it’s a priority.
