#WorldMentalHealthDay
In this special Feature Article, we sat down with Clara Vallet, our In-House Psychologist, to discuss the importance of mental health in today’s fast-paced world, how we can better care for our well-being, and why open conversations matter.
1. What does World Mental Health Day mean to you, and why is it important in the workplace?
Mental Health Day is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and creating space for open conversations on a sensible topic that affects us all. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves in the middle of the demands of daily life.
In the workplace, it is especially important to recognise the importance of Mental Health, as we spend so much of our time at work.
Creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and safe to speak up not only strengthens individual resilience but also builds healthier, more engaged, and collaborative teams.
2. In your experience, what are the most common challenges employees face regarding mental health?
Employees across different sectors often struggle with similar challenges despite having different work environments. Common challenges employees face include stress, burnout, having a work-life balance, and they often don’t feel confident to speak openly about their difficulties. The lack of communication, the feeling of being undervalued and the lack of time for self-care outside of work can significantly affect motivation and overall mental well-being.
3. How can organisations like Taylor Smith Group (TSG) create a culture that supports mental well-being?
TSG already supports employee’s mental well-being by providing counselling sessions. In addition, they could consider organising awareness sessions on various topics related to mental health.
By prioritising empathy and encouraging open communication, organisations like TSG can create a culture of well-being.
They can also promote healthy practices such as physical exercise, yoga, meditation, as well as greater workplace flexibility.
Managers could be trained to recognize signs of stress or burnout and encouraged to do regular check-ins with their teams.
Mental well-being should be part of the company’s values and practices.
4. What simple habits or practices can employees adopt daily to take care of their mental health?
Simple practices such as taking short breaks during the day, setting boundaries to disconnect after work, practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises, and making time for physical activity. Even small habits like going for a walk or checking in with a colleague, friend or family member can make a big difference.
For better mental health, it is important to understand yourself and develop your inner resources to navigate through life’s challenges. Welcome, recognise and learn to manage your emotions; communicate and listen actively; live with respect for yourself, others, and the environment; build and maintain healthy relationships; and ask for help when you need it.
5. What role does open communication play in breaking the stigma around mental health?
Open communication plays a crucial role in breaking the stigma around mental health.
It allows people to feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgment, it helps normalise these conversations, reassures them that they are not alone, and encourages them to seek support.
Leaders and colleagues who speak openly about mental health set a powerful example, showing that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a way to build trust, foster support and strengthen understanding in the workplace.
6. From your perspective, what progress have you seen in how society approaches mental health today compared to a few years ago?
Society has made progress in how it approaches mental health. It is no longer as taboo as it once was, and organisations are more proactive in providing support and integrating well-being into their policies.
People are more willing to acknowledge that mental health affects everyone and that it is essential to overall well-being.
Open conversations about personal experiences are becoming more common, helping to normalise discussions around mental health.
Of course, much work remains to be done. Stigma has not disappeared but with continued efforts, we can raise greater awareness and foster wider acceptance.
7. If you could share one key message with employees on this World Mental Health Day, what would it be?
If I could share one message with employees on this World Mental Health Day, it would be: Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a step toward strength and balance.
Today, pause and truly listen to yourself, your emotions, your thoughts, your state of mind. Welcome whatever you are feeling, because all emotions are valid and remind us that we are alive.
Give yourself the gift of doing at least one thing today that brings you joy and nurtures your well-being.