Prioritising well-being in the workplace

Every year, on October 10th, the world comes together to recognise World Mental Health Day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental well-being globally. First observed in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), this day emphasises the importance of mental health and highlights the ongoing challenges of reducing stigma, improving access to care, and fostering mental health support in various environments, including the workplace.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” is a timely reminder of the critical role that work environments play in an individual’s mental well-being. Given that many adults spend the majority of their waking hours at work, it’s essential that workplaces become spaces where mental health is prioritised, and challenges like stress and burnout are effectively managed.

At IBB Hotel and Cugó Gran Collection, we recognize that the well-being of our team is directly connected to our success as a company.

As we reflect on this year’s theme, we are excited to announce that, starting in 2025, we will be offering internal mental health training sessions for our employees.

This initiative is not only designed to raise awareness about mental health but also to encourage active conversations about it in the workplace. The goal is to help our employees develop the right skill sets to be more mindful at work, whether that’s taking care of their own mental health or supporting their peers.

Why mental health training matters in the workplace

Mental health training programs offer significant benefits, both to individuals and the organisation as a whole. Here are some of the key advantages of implementing such programs:

1. Increases awareness: Mental health training helps employees and managers recognise early signs of mental health issues. By reducing stigma, it promotes early intervention, ensuring that challenges are addressed before they become larger problems.
2. Improves communication: These sessions will equip staff with the tools to talk openly about mental health. By fostering a supportive and understanding work environment, employees feel more comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help when needed.
3. Reduces stress and burnout: With the right training, employees can learn techniques to manage stress more effectively, preventing burnout and enhancing their overall well-being.
4. Boosts productivity: Mentally healthy and resilient employees are more focused, motivated, and productive. By prioritising mental health, we can improve both individual and team performance.
5. Enhances employee retention: Offering mental health support shows a genuine commitment to employee well-being, which increases job satisfaction and loyalty. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that actively cares about their health.
6. Creates a positive work culture: Mental health training contributes to building an inclusive, caring workplace where people feel valued and supported.

The importance of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is more than just a day of recognition, it’s a global movement that aims to reduce stigma, promote mental health awareness, and advocate for better mental health support across societies. Each year, the event draws attention to different aspects of mental health, such as improving access to care or creating more supportive environments.

Some key facts about World Mental Health Day include:

• Celebrated annually on October 10th.
• To raise awareness of mental health issues globally and promote mental well-being.
• First observed in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).
• Recognised worldwide by countries, organisations, and individuals through various events, campaigns, and activities.
• Each year focuses on a specific theme to address pressing mental health topics.
• One of the primary goals of World Mental Health Day is to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues.

Looking forward: IBB Hotel and Cugó Gran Collection’s commitment to mental health

At IBB Hotel and Cugó Gran Collection, we understand that mental health is a key aspect of our employees’ overall well-being. In alignment with the 2024 theme of prioritising mental health in the workplace, we are taking proactive steps to foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Our internal mental health training sessions, launching in 2025, will equip our teams with the knowledge and skills to navigate mental health challenges more effectively; whether that involves managing their own mental well-being or supporting colleagues who may be struggling.

As we move forward, we are committed to creating a work environment that values and promotes mental well-being, knowing that a mentally healthy workforce is essential for a thriving and successful organization. By taking these steps, IBB Hotel and Cugó Gran Collection will continue to prioritise the health, happiness, and productivity of our team.

Let’s use World Mental Health Day as a reminder to check in with ourselves and our colleagues, fostering a supportive and compassionate workplace. Together, we can make a difference in creating a healthier, more mindful future.