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Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace

How team building activities foster wellbeing and support mental health at work

The importance of mental health in the workplace

Mental health has become a critical focus for businesses worldwide. With World Mental Health Day 2024’s theme, ‘It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace', organisations are reminded of the importance of employee wellbeing. Furthermore, team building, beyond boosting morale, plays a crucial role in fostering mental health, creating supportive and connected environments. This article explores why mental health should be prioritised and how team building can help.

Why it’s important to prioritise mental health at work

Workplaces significantly impact employees’ mental and physical wellbeing. Failure to address mental health can lead to:

  • Burnout
  • Low productivity
  • High turnover rates

Organisations that prioritise mental health enjoy numerous benefits. For instance, companies that invest in long-term mental health and wellbeing strategies see a significant reduction in absenteeism, increased employee engagement, and enhanced performance. Moreover, leadership plays a key role, with mental health needing to be embedded in the company's culture through open communication, clear policies, and a safe work environment.

head to toe wellbeing team building activity for mental health in the workplace

The link between employee wellbeing and company success

Employee wellbeing is directly tied to business success. When employees feel supported and healthy, they:

  • Perform better
  • Show greater job satisfaction
  • Are more loyal, reducing turnover

Neglecting mental health, in contrast, leads to disengagement, absenteeism, and reduced profitability. The most successful companies are those that make wellbeing a priority.

Giving for wellbeing

 

Giving is a powerful way to boost mental health in the workplace. In fact, studies show that helping others improves mood, fosters a sense of purpose, and reduces stress. Team building activities that incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) can enhance employees’ sense of fulfilment and connection, contributing to better mental wellbeing.

Every time anywhere in the world someone participates in any Catalyst Global program with one of its network partners, Catalyst Global gives to one of B1G1's specially selected array of high impact projects.

Our portfolio of CSR team building activities includes:

toy factory logo csr team building programToy Factory - A CSR team-building activity where teams collaborate to assemble toys and games for children in need. Participants engage in planning, building an efficient production line, and ensuring quality control, all while strengthening their connections. This adaptable team building event highlights community responsibility, with the finished toys and games donated to local charities, schools, or orphanages.

Building a Dream - A CSR team building activity where teams use their communication, team dynamics, and project management skills to build bikes for charity. Completed bicycles are donated to selected orphanages, bringing joy to the recipient and satisfaction to the maker.

go team go give logoGo Team Go Give - The ultimate CSR team building event where teams use tablets and the Go Team app to review checkpoints and special fundraising projects.

 

building a dream csr team building giving for wellbeing

How team building activities support mental health in the workplace

Team building is more than just fun—it’s a tool for improving mental wellbeing. Here’s how it helps:

  • Improved Communication & Connection - Team building fosters dialogue and connection, reducing isolation and stress.
  • Boosting Resilience - Activities that involve problem-solving and collaboration, enhance resilience by helping teams overcome challenges together.
  • Encouraging Creativity & Joy - Creative activities let employees express themselves, relieve stress, and reignite their passion for work.
  • Physical Health for Mental Wellbeing - Engaging in movement-based team building activities promotes both mental clarity and team bonding.
  • Building a Culture of Wellbeing - Regular team building activities show employees that their wellbeing matters, fostering trust and loyalty.

Wellbeing at work with Catalyst team building activities

Choosing the right team-building activity is crucial for fostering mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. The best activities should be engaging, inclusive, and supportive, helping to create a positive and connected work environment. Here are some popular options from the Catalyst portfolio that cater to different types of teams and focus on wellbeing:

team wellbeing logoTeam Wellbeing - A collaborative team building activity where participants are encouraged to consider their role in team well-being during play and work. Also available online for remote teams.

orchestrate logoOrchestrate - One of our toughest and most challenging events where a group of people with no musical ability learn to play like a real symphony orchestra in just 90 minutes.

meditainment logoMeditainment - An group meditation interactive audio/visual relaxation experience to focus the mind. It can be performed via online conferencing or in-person at a staged event.

boom time logoBoom Time - A unique conference icebreaker or energiser that unifies teams and transforms any conference space into a colourful, fast-paced orchestra that will energise, enthuse, and delight everyone.

head to toe logoHead to Toe - An informal, non-threatening energy program that teaches participants how to achieve personal wellness and sanity during their workday.

 

team wellbeing team building for mental health in the workplace

Conclusion

Prioritising mental health in the workplace is essential for success. As World Mental Health Day 2024 approaches, let's focus on integrating mental wellbeing into everyday business practices. Team building is a powerful way to foster communication, resilience, and creativity while promoting both mental and physical health. By embracing mental health through team-building programs, organisations can reduce stress, improve engagement, and create a more resilient, productive workforce.

Take action!

Don’t miss the opportunity to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in your workplace. Strengthen your team’s connections and support their mental health with engaging, tailored team-building activities. Get in touch with your local representative today to learn how Catalyst Team Building Network can help create a healthier, more resilient workplace for your organisation.