In many professional settings, stress and exhaustion are quietly accepted as part of the job. It is common to hear someone say “I’m fine,” even when they are struggling. A colleague once shared that they felt guilty taking a mental health day because they worried it might be seen as a lack of commitment. That sense of guilt is something many people relate to, and it is exactly what we need to change.

Improving mental health at work does not require grand gestures. It starts with small, intentional changes in how we treat ourselves and each other. Creating a workplace culture that encourages openness, respects boundaries, and values mental health as much as productivity makes a real difference. It means checking in on colleagues, allowing space for rest, and recognizing that high performance should not come at the cost of well-being.

These conversations need to start at all levels of an organization, from leadership to team members. Leaders can play a vital role by modeling balance, being transparent about their own challenges when appropriate, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help. Every employee can contribute by supporting each other, normalizing mental health discussions, and advocating for policies that promote wellness.

The reality is that when employees feel supported and valued, everyone benefits. Teams become more engaged, morale improves, and organizations thrive. A mentally healthy workplace is not just a nice to have; it is a business and human imperative.

On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to creating workplaces where mental health is not an afterthought but a priority. Let us replace silence with support, stigma with empathy, and burnout with balance. Behind every role and title is a person, and people deserve care.