Mental Health Games and Activities: A Workplace Guide

The Importance of Mental Health Games and Activities for the Workplace

Mental health is crucial to both your personal and professional life. A mentally healthy workplace is more productive, has less absenteeism, and has more engaged employees. Mental health issues, even mild ones, including burnout, can have an impact on your life.

Fun and engaging mental health games and activities can promote understanding, empathy, and practical strategies for stress management, resilience, and overall well-being in the workplace. These activities can also improve physical health and morale, reduce stress, encourage people to seek help when they need it, and boost engagement in your work. Consider a 30-day journal challenge to promote mental health and well-being.

This article will explore a variety of mental health games and activities for the workplace, including:

• In-person games and activities
• Virtual games and activities
• Low-budget games and activities

We’ll also discuss the benefits of these initiatives and provide actionable tips for implementing them in your workplace.

Understanding the foundation: Key elements of a mental health-friendly workplace

Creating a workplace where people feel supported and mentally well starts with a solid foundation. Let’s explore some key elements to build a mental health-friendly environment.

The 4 A’s framework

Think of the 4 A’s as a roadmap for improving mental health in your workplace:

• Awareness: Make sure everyone understands mental health issues and works to reduce the stigma around them. Workshops, training, and information campaigns can help.
• Access: Give people easy ways to get mental health resources and support. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling, and online resources are great options.
• Assistance: Offer support to employees struggling with their mental health. This means confidential support, referrals to mental health professionals, and accommodations at work.
• Action: Take steps to proactively promote mental well-being. Put in place policies that support work-life balance, reduce stress, and create a positive environment.

Four pillars of employee mental health

These pillars are essential for a supportive workplace:

• Mental Health Support Services: Give employees access to counseling, therapy, and other mental health services.
• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: Implement policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and paid time off.
• Mental Health Awareness & Training: Offer training programs to educate employees and managers about mental health issues.
• Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise programs, mindfulness sessions, and healthy eating initiatives.

By focusing on these elements and pillars, you can create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health.

In-Person Mental Health Games and Activities

Here are some activities to promote mental well-being that you can do together in person at the office.

Creative and Engaging Activities

• Gratitude Jar: Put a jar in a common area and encourage people to write down things they’re grateful for. It’s a small thing that can create a more positive atmosphere.
• Coloring Books: Provide coloring books and art supplies. Employees can use them during breaks. It’s a good way to be creative and relax.
• Puzzle Day: Host a puzzle day in the office. Puzzles encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Team Building Activities: Organize team-building activities focused on communication, collaboration, and stress reduction. Some companies hire a professional facilitator to lead these activities, but you can also find ideas online and lead them yourselves.
• Art Therapy Lunch and Learn: Host art therapy sessions during lunch breaks to encourage creative expression and stress relief. You can either lead the session yourself or hire a professional art therapist.

Wellness-Focused Activities

• Group Exercise: Organize group exercise sessions like yoga, Pilates, or even just a walking club. Getting active together can boost moods and energy levels.
• Mindful Walking Breaks: Encourage employees to take mindful walking breaks to connect with nature and reduce stress. Even a short walk outside can make a big difference.
• Ergonomic Checks: Conduct ergonomic assessments to make sure workstations are set up properly to prevent physical strain and promote comfort. A comfortable workspace can reduce stress and improve focus.
• Smoothie Station: Set up a DIY smoothie station with healthy ingredients to encourage mindful eating and provide a nutritious snack option. Healthy food options can support overall well-being.
• Massage: Schedule onsite chair massages to help lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety, or find funny stress relief with quotes and more. Check with local massage therapists, as some offer corporate rates and will come to your office.

Remember to tailor these activities to your workplace culture and employee preferences for the best results.

Virtual mental health games and activities

When your team is working remotely, it can be hard to connect and maintain a sense of community. Here are some virtual mental health games and activities to try:

Connecting remotely

• Virtual mental health check-ins: Schedule regular virtual check-ins with employees so you can give them support and see if they’re having any problems.
• Virtual book club: Start a book club that focuses on mental health. You could read books like “The Hilarious World of Depression” by John Moe or “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green.
• Virtual game night: Host an online game night to help people socialize and blow off steam.
• Virtual meditation sessions: Try offering virtual meditation sessions to help employees relax and focus.
• Peer support groups: Create peer support groups for specific needs, such as new employees, parents of young children, or employees who are caregivers for aging parents.

Digital wellness

• Digital detox challenges: Organize challenges where employees take breaks from their devices. You could have a “no phone at dinner” challenge or a “no screens after 9 p.m.” challenge.
• Digital wellness toolkit: Create a toolkit with resources like mental health apps, podcasts, and worksheets. You could include apps for sleep, meditation, and mood tracking.
• Mindfulness apps: Share a list of mindfulness apps that employees can use for meditation and relaxation. Some popular apps include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer.
• Virtual wellness challenges: Try virtual wellness challenges, such as step challenges or hydration challenges. You can use apps or wearable devices to track progress.
• Guided virtual meditation: Partner with meditation coaches for live or recorded meditation sessions. You can find coaches who specialize in mindfulness, stress reduction, or specific mental health conditions.

Low-budget mental health activities for the workplace

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to improve your employees’ mental well-being. Here are some low-cost activities to try:

• Mental health pub quiz: Use online tools like Kahoot! or make your own quiz boards to test your employees’ knowledge about mental health.
• Mental health wall: Designate a space where employees can share their thoughts, feelings, or even just a quote that resonates with them.
• Volunteering: Find volunteering opportunities in your community that employees can participate in. Keep time commitments in mind to avoid adding more stress.
• Creative expression sessions: Organize opportunities for employees to express themselves through photography, singing, dancing, or other creative outlets.
• Breathing exercises: Share guides or video links to help employees practice breathing exercises to manage stress.
• Positive affirmation jar: Create a jar where employees can write down positive messages to boost morale and share good vibes.

Specific mental health games and activities for the workplace

Want some specific ideas for incorporating mental health games and activities into your workplace? Here are a few to get you started:

• Mood Meter: The Mood Meter app is a great tool to help your employees identify and regulate their emotions.
• The Mindfulness Game: This game is designed to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.
• CogniFit: CogniFit offers personalized brain training exercises to improve cognitive function.
• Happy Habits: Encourage employees to use Happy Habits to develop positive habits and improve their overall well-being. It’s a fun way to build healthy routines.
• Headspace: Headspace is a well-known app that offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. Offer subscriptions to your employees as a perk!
• Emotion Charades: Bring some laughter and self-awareness to the office with emotion charades. This game helps employees recognize and express their feelings in a playful way.

These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless! The key is to find activities that resonate with your employees and create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.

Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Success

Even with the best intentions, some workplace mental health initiatives fall flat. Why?

• Poor implementation
• Lack of buy-in from leadership
• Treating every employee the same way instead of recognizing individual needs

So, how can you make sure your program succeeds? Start by:

• Figuring out what your employees actually need
• Getting the support of your company’s leaders
• Developing a well-rounded strategy for mental health
• Providing ongoing education and resources

Consider using employee surveys to see how your mental health programs are impacting your employees and where you can improve. It’s also a good idea to see if you can track the return on investment (ROI) to demonstrate the value of these initiatives to the organization. When leaders see how mental health programs benefit the company, they’re more likely to continue supporting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that weaving mental health games and activities into the workday is more than just a nice perk. It’s a key ingredient for creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and ready to bring their best selves to the table. These initiatives aren’t just about reducing stress; they’re about fostering a healthier, happier, and ultimately more productive team.

So, if you’re in HR, a business leader, or a manager, now’s the time to take action. Consider the strategies we’ve talked about here and think about how you can adapt them to fit your specific workplace culture. Even small changes can make a big difference.

Building a culture of mental well-being isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s an investment in the long-term success of your organization. By prioritizing mental health, you’ll attract and keep top talent, boost employee engagement, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.