What Organization Leaders Can Do Right Now in Honor of World Mental Health Day

Literally, right now—while you’re sitting at your desk.

Business owners, senior managers, benefits specialists, HR generalists—whatever your title, if your role empowers you to support employees and colleagues, this one’s for you.

At American Trauma Insurance, we’re (not surprisingly) always thinking about mental health. We ask ourselves regularly: What can we do better for our own teams? 

So in honor of World Mental Health Day this October, we’ve put together a list of quick, low-effort actions you can take right now. Each one can help you instantly reduce stress, spark positivity, or at the very least, move you in the right direction.

1. Implement “no meeting” blocks.

Open your shared calendar and carve out at least two repeating blocks each week where no meetings are allowed. These hours become sacred: no Zooms, no touchbases. Just space to catch up on email, focus on deep work, or step outside. (Want to see what happened when 76 companies introduced no-meeting days? Check out this article.)

2. Book a mental health speaker.

A quick Google search could connect you with an engaging local (or virtual) speaker who focuses on workplace mental health. Reach out now to see if they’re available for an upcoming staff meeting or retreat. A single, powerful talk can spark culture-wide conversations.

3. Pre-schedule small surprises.

Did you know you can pre-schedule e-gift cards at lots of retailers? (Dunkin, for example!) Take five minutes to set up a few surprise-and-delight sends for birthdays, work anniversaries, or random Thursdays. Will it single-handedly solve burnout? Probably not. But it shows thoughtfulness, and small gestures go a long way.

4. Revisit your benefits strategy.

Mental health support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take two minutes to request a quote from American Trauma Insurance (yes, that’s us). From Trauma Counseling to Trauma Coverage, our products are comprehensive, flexible, and unique in the benefits world. In fact, our origin story is one of trauma. 

5. Share a resource roundup.

While you’re reading this, pull together three quick links to articles, hotlines, or podcasts on mental health and send them to your team. Not everyone will use them right away, but just knowing their employer values these resources matters. (Here’s a good place to start.)

6. Ask your people directly.

Send out a one-question survey: “What’s one thing we could do to better support your mental health and well-being at work?” The responses might surprise you—and they’ll definitely guide smarter decisions.

7. Add a Mental Health Day to your own calendar.

Great leaders lead by example. If your team sees you taking your own PTO—whether it’s a day or a week—to care for your own mental health, they’ll see you as relatable, thoughtful, and open to them doing the same.

8. Make a company donation.

Contribute to a mental health-related cause or association on behalf of your team. A few examples: The National Alliance on Mental Health, Mental Health America, and the National Institute of Mental Health. 

9. Bookmark a free mental health screening site.

Here’s one: a free, quick 20-question mental health test by Psychology Today. After you answer the agree/disagree statements, you’ll receive useful advice and resources based on your responses. Send it out one day this month to your team, and be sure to take it yourself. 

10. Keep learning.

As a company dedicated to mental health, we’re so glad you made it this far. We hope you’ll continue to absorb as much knowledge as you can surrounding wellness in the workplace or other organizational settings. Take care!