This Mental Health Awareness Month, discover how accessible employee benefits can transform workplace wellbeing while boosting your bottom line.
We’re All Human First, Employees Second
It’s Monday morning, and you already feel tired. Your alarm didn’t go off, the kids spilt breakfast everywhere, and you arrived at work to find sixteen urgent emails waiting. We’ve all been there – that overwhelming feeling when life’s pressures pile up is a genuine mental wellbeing challenge that affects every aspect of our working lives.
The truth is, we bring our whole selves to work each day; worries about bills, family concerns, and personal challenges included. Sometimes it feels like we’re expected to compartmentalise these feelings and transform into productivity machines the moment we step through the office door (or log into our remote workspaces). But that’s simply not how human minds work.
What if there was a different approach? One where workplace culture acknowledged our humanity and created space for small, everyday moments of genuine relief and happiness throughout the workday?
Research consistently shows that it’s often the little things: an unexpected treat, quality time with loved ones, or simple acknowledgement of our efforts that can transform how we feel about our workplaces and support our mental wellbeing.
When Money Worries Meet Monday Mornings
Let’s be honest—financial stress is a huge problem for many of us. With inflation putting pressure on household budgets and everyday expenses constantly creeping upward, employees are making tough choices between small pleasures and necessary expenses.
“Should I really buy this lunch out with colleagues when I’m trying to save?” “Can we afford a family cinema trip this weekend?” “How am I going to manage the school holiday activities on this budget?”
These seemingly small financial decisions create a constant background hum of anxiety that follows people into their workday. Studies consistently show that financial concerns are among the top sources of stress for UK workers, with 61% of employees reporting that they are stressed about their finances constantly.
When employees can access little luxuries and things that make them happy without financial strain, they return to work refreshed, more engaged, and with improved focus. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about removing the guilt and stress from everyday joys.
Brilliant Ways to Boost Team Spirits
Looking for quick wins to improve mental wellbeing in your workplace? Here are some ideas that won’t stretch your budget but will make a meaningful difference:
Create ‘mood menus’ for tough days: Encourage team members to compile personal lists of small mood-boosters they can turn to when feeling overwhelmed. This might include a five-minute walk, a favourite playlist, or using a Benefits Cloud discount to grab a special coffee as a treat. Having these options readily available makes self-care actionable.
Implement ‘meeting-free Fridays’: Give your team breathing space to wrap up their week without the pressure of back-to-back meetings. This simple boundary creates space for focused work and helps employees enter the weekend with fewer loose ends, reducing anxiety about unfinished tasks.
Start a ‘wins jar’: Place a physical or virtual jar where team members can note down small victories or positive moments. Reading these aloud during team catch-ups creates a culture of appreciation and positivity.
Encourage ‘walk and talk’ meetings: For one-to-ones or creative discussions, suggest taking a stroll rather than sitting in a meeting room. Physical movement boosts mood and creativity.
Normalise mental health check-ins: Try opening team meetings with a simple “traffic light” check-in where people can indicate their energy levels with red, amber, or green. This creates psychological safety around discussing mental state without forcing deep disclosures.
These approaches cost very little but signal clearly that wellbeing matters in your organisation.
Making Wellbeing Days Actually Wonderful
Wellbeing days have become increasingly popular, but without careful thought, they can feel like just another box-ticking exercise. Here’s how to create memorable experiences that genuinely support mental health:
Make it personal: Offer choice rather than mandating specific activities. What recharges one person might drain another! A variety of options—both active and restful—ensures everyone finds something beneficial.
Extend the impact: Use wellbeing days to launch ongoing initiatives. Perhaps a lunchtime walking group, a monthly book club, or regular skill-sharing sessions. This way, the wellbeing focus continues beyond a single day.
Gather feedback that shapes future offerings: After wellbeing initiatives, collect specific feedback about what made a difference. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to mental wellbeing as an evolving priority rather than a one-off event.
Incorporate Benefits Cloud partners: If you’re a Benefits Cloud member, consider using your Benefits Cloud partnerships to enhance the day—perhaps with discounted experiences, health services, or food options. This stretches your wellbeing budget while introducing employees to benefits they might not have explored.
Small Perks, Big Difference
What makes a difference isn’t always grand gestures or expensive wellbeing programmes, but consistent attention to the small details that make working life more humane.
By focusing on reducing everyday stresses, enabling quality downtime, and creating a workplace culture where mental wellbeing discussions are normalised, organisations of all sizes can make meaningful progress in supporting their teams.
For small businesses especially, finding cost-effective ways to show employees they’re valued can be challenging. Employee discount platforms like Benefits Cloud offer one solution, providing access to everyday savings and special perks that help stretch household budgets while creating those all-important moments of joy.
Whatever approach you take this Mental Health Awareness Month, remember that consistency matters more than perfection. Small steps taken regularly will build a more mentally healthy workplace over time.
Ready to transform your approach to employee mental wellbeing? Consider exploring how accessible benefits and small perks could complement your existing wellbeing strategy. Because everyone deserves those little moments of joy that make working life brighter.