World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising our Mental Health at BaseKit

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme, ‘workplace mental health’, hits close to home.
We all know that work can sometimes be demanding, and finding the right balance between our responsibilities and personal well-being can be challenging. As a team, at BaseKit, we are committed to looking out for one another and want to ensure that mental health is as important as anything else we focus on.
Why mental health matters at BaseKit
It’s no secret that mental well-being affects how we perform at work, collaborate, and feel at the end of the day. We want BaseKit to be a place where we can do great work while feeling healthy, balanced, and supported.
According to Mentalhealth.org, 15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition, and between 2022-2023, around 875,000 workers were suffering from work-related stress, depression and anxiety. These statistics show how important it is to ensure mental health is a priority at work, and doing so at BaseKit is always at the forefront of our minds.
What we’re doing at BaseKit
At BaseKit, we’ve implemented several initiatives to support mental health, but it’s also important that we take individual steps to nurture our own well-being.
- Flexible working hours and remote options – We all lead busy lives, and flexibility can be a game-changer. Whether you need to adjust your hours or work remotely, BaseKit supports different working styles so you can balance work and life.
- Open conversations about mental health —We encourage everyone to talk openly about how they’re feeling. Our leadership team is here to listen and offer support when needed. We also have our in-house mental health first aiders available to help anyone in need.
- The BaseKit Mental Health Promise – Five commitments by which we stand to ensure our team has access to the best opportunities to ensure good mental health at work.
- Access to professional mental health resources — Every team member has access to counselling and therapy services if needed through Spill or Vitality.
- Culture of recognition – Feeling valued is essential to mental health. That’s why we have programs such as Bonusly to ensure your hard work and achievements are regularly recognised.
5 tips for improving your mental health at work
In addition to the support we offer, we can also do things to manage our mental health more effectively. Here are five practical tips you can start implementing today:
1. Take regular breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take a breather, but stepping away from your desk can do wonders for clearing your mind. Whether a quick walk around the block or a short meditation session, taking breaks helps reduce stress and keeps you refreshed. Aim to take a break at least every 90 minutes.
2. Set boundaries
With flexible hours and remote working, it’s important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Do not constantly check emails after hours or on weekends. When work is over, allow yourself to fully disconnect. This will help prevent burnout and keep your personal life separate from work demands.
3. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is an excellent tool for managing stress. Whether you practise mindfulness meditation or take a few deep breaths when things feel overwhelming, being present at the moment can help you manage anxiety and stay focused on what really matters. Headspace is a great tool for helping you through mindfulness exercises.
4. Communicate when you need help
Feel free to speak up if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or not yourself. Whether it’s talking to a manager, a colleague, or through one of our third-party options like Spill or Incogneato, we’re all here to support one another, and no one should feel like they have to handle tough times alone.
5. Prioritise your physical health
Physical health and mental health are closely linked. Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious meals can significantly impact your mental health. Even incorporating small changes, like a 10-minute walk or standing up to stretch during the day, can make a big difference.
Let’s continue to support each other
As a team, we’ve built an environment where we care about each other’s well-being, which we should all be proud of. But mental health is something we need to nurture, both individually and collectively actively. We each have a role in making BaseKit a place where mental health matters.
We’re not experts here at BaseKit, but we always want to find the best help and support for everyone. See some links below that can help your mental health every day, not just on World Mental Health Day…
Boost your mental health by moving more
Mental Health Foundation helplines