What is one specific action your manager or team has taken to create a more mentally healthy work environment? How has this action positively impacted the team?

Question

Mental health in the workplace is a critical issue that affects both employees and businesses. This article presents practical strategies, backed by expert insights, to foster a mentally healthy work environment. From innovative wellness initiatives to communication improvements, these actionable tips can help managers create a more supportive and productive workplace for their teams.

Steven Rothberg · Answer

In 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gave every employee an additional day off every month, with everyone taking off the same day. By having everyone take off the same day, employees didn't return to work the next day with full inboxes. We also had everyone set autoresponders on their emails so that our customers, vendors, and partners would know that we were all off that day for a company-wide wellness day.
We found that productivity didn't drop at all. In fact, it improved. Starting in 2022, we moved to half-day Fridays and have continued with that. Giving every employee Friday afternoons off effectively gives them an additional 26 days of paid time off a year. That sounds expensive, but it's proven to be a superb investment. It's been great for recruitment and retention, but also productivity. We get done in 4.5 days what we used to accomplish in five, and our employees are happier.

Manasvini Krishna · Answer

One model I have used and recommended is peer mentorship. Professionally, it helps people learn and leverage new skills using each other's experiences. On a personal note, sometimes employees need emotional support, and it makes a difference if it comes from someone going through the same experiences. Whether it's a professional or personal issue, knowing they're able to work through them with someone who can relate to them helps them be more open about their mental health and seek help when they need it.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

Our manager initiated weekly "Walk and Talk" sessions, encouraging us to step away from our desks for a casual stroll while discussing work or personal matters. This simple action significantly reduced stress and fostered genuine connections. It provided a much-needed break from screen time, promoting physical activity and fresh air, which are both crucial for mental well-being.
The positive impact has been profound. Team members report feeling more refreshed and less overwhelmed. These informal interactions have strengthened our bonds, making us feel more supported and understood. Open communication has improved, leading to better collaboration and a more empathetic work culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. It is a small change that has made a big difference to our collective mental health.

Derek Pankaew · Answer

One specific (and surprisingly effective) thing we've done to support mental health? We created a Slack channel called #small-wins—and made it a daily ritual.
It's not about celebrating massive milestones or teamwide victories. It's for the tiny, quiet wins no one usually notices: "Took a proper lunch break today," "Finished a task that's been haunting me for two weeks," "Actually went outside and touched grass."
What started as a light-touch wellness idea turned into a subtle but powerful culture shift. The mental health impact wasn't just from the act of sharing—it was from seeing what mattered to others. When someone posts a tiny win, it gives the rest of us permission to recalibrate our own bar for "progress." It's validating. It normalizes being kind to yourself. You see your teammates pause to celebrate surviving a hard week, or managing stress better than last time, and suddenly there's less shame around struggling.
Even better—because it's asynchronous and low-effort, it doesn't feel performative. People post when they feel like it. There's no pressure. And ironically, that's what's made it stick.
In a remote team, where mental health can easily fall through the cracks, this one little Slack channel has helped us stay human with each other. And I think that's what people actually want at work—not just perks, but proof that it's okay to be people.

Justin Belmont · Answer

One of the best moves we made was banning non-urgent Slack messages after hours—and actually modeling that from the top down. No more 9 p.m. pings "just FYI." It set a clear boundary that mental recharge matters. The result? People stopped feeling like they had to be "always on," burnout dropped, and productivity during work hours improved. When people know their evenings are protected, they show up sharper the next day.

Marilyn Ndubi · Answer

As a team, we decided to create a "silent recovery zone," which is a quiet space within the office where anyone can go to meditate, reflect, decompress, or breathe between heavy client sessions.
In a career that requires one to be emotionally invested when handling client cases, this small sanctuary has changed everything.
In addition to helping us rest, it shows the importance of prioritizing our own healing as well. My co-workers started using it often, and the benefits are clear: improved empathy and emotional intelligence.
Caregivers ought to care for themselves to effectively care for others, including our clients.

Arsen Misakyan · Answer

As an example of an actionable measure, one of the initiatives we implemented to support mental health was the creation of mandatory "reset breaks" during the high-stress event season. Each employee, from dispatch workers to chauffeurs, was verbally committed to a mandatory one-hour block each week that was not to be disturbed — no calls, no emails, no work. This wasn't just PTO; it was protected recharge time, typically offered with a wellness stipend that could be spent on anything from massages to fitness classes.
This simple policy made a significant difference. We experienced a 28% reduction in reported burnout cases over a six-month period and received positive feedback from departments. Drivers began pulling over in peaceful places like Griffith Park, and office workers used it as a midweek getaway. The consistent time away from screens and not being under pressure allowed the team to return refreshed and renewed.
Above all, it conveyed the message that we value people for more than just their productivity. This approach has enabled us to create a team that remains committed — and performs well under pressure — without feeling completely exhausted.

Ansh Arora · Answer

One specific action our team implemented was "No Meeting Fridays". This dedicated day each week allows everyone to work uninterrupted, catch up on tasks, or simply breathe.
We started it after we noticed that constant back-to-back calls led to fatigue, lower productivity, decreased engagement, and a sense of being "always on." By setting aside one day for deep focus and reflection, we created a space that lets our team feel more in control. The impact has been tangible. It provides space for strategic thinking and sends a strong cultural message.
This way, setting boundaries, resting, and having space to breathe are not just encouraged but respected. Burnout is often normalized, but this structural change has become a requirement that keeps our team productive and working effectively.

Mike Fretto · Answer

My team has, over time, worked on figuring out the best level of daily communication for us as a collective group. Since we are hybrid, a lot of our communication is virtual, and too much virtual communication can frustrate even the most extroverted person. By figuring out what works for everyone, we all know what to expect and don't have to deal with the additional mental burden of excess virtual Zoom and phone calls every day.

Ron Harper · Answer

The simple work practice that benefits my team and me is a weekly check-in. We have a casual conversation every Friday afternoon. Members of the team are able to communicate what is happening in their lives and in the workplace. It is not merely about work tasks and projects, but it is about listening to each other.
This minor practice has truly helped the team. It creates openness and confidence, which is sometimes difficult to maintain in a hectic office. Individuals get the feeling of being listened to, and morale improves. Due to the fact that the well-being of every individual is important, stress reduces. To conclude, the practice makes mental health a priority, minimizes burnout, and increases team satisfaction. It is also healthy for our workplace and improves relationships.

Aaron Jakel · Answer

Every day starts with a 30-minute block where nobody touches a tool. We meet at the shop or job site, pull out folding chairs, pass around $3 breakfast burritos, and just talk. No job talk. No logistics. Just regular conversation and food in your system. It costs me $420 a month for the food and another 66 man-hours in payroll time. But since we started, lateness dropped by 60 percent, missed details fell to near zero, and nobody snapped under pressure. That morning pause sets the whole crew up right.
The mental shift comes from slowing down before speeding up. It gives guys a reason to show up early and a window to clear out anything bugging them. Nobody carries stress onto the roof because they already let it out on the ground. You cannot measure that on a P&L sheet, but you can feel it in how smooth the day runs. All that to say, a warm breakfast and some quiet time beats any app or handbook out there.

Amalendu Shekhar · Answer

No meetings in the evening is one of the greatest implementations that has been made by our manager. As a result, employees can work without any pressure or stress, and they are able to focus on their tasks. It is helping people to manage their daily tasks and set boundaries, which contributes to a healthy office environment.
In addition, every Friday we have "Fun Friday" activities conducted by the HR team and manager. Activities include games, team-building exercises, or just lighthearted conversation that helps us get to know each other better.
This change has created a positive and mentally healthy work environment.

Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace: Actionable Tips from Managers

Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace: Actionable Tips from Managers

Company-Wide Wellness Days Boost Productivity

Peer Mentorship Fosters Support and Growth

Weekly Walk and Talks Reduce Stress

Slack Channel Celebrates Daily Small Wins

After-Hours Message Ban Improves Work-Life Balance

Silent Recovery Zone Enhances Emotional Intelligence

Mandatory Reset Breaks Combat Employee Burnout

No Meeting Fridays Encourage Deep Focus

Optimized Communication Reduces Virtual Fatigue

Weekly Check-Ins Prioritize Team Well-Being

Morning Gatherings Improve Crew Morale

Evening Meeting Ban and Fun Fridays

Recent Posts

Search By Categories

Recommended Sites

Our Newswire Partner