As organisations across Ireland prepare to mark Workplace Wellbeing Day on April 29, with this year’s theme of Belonging, a national campaign is encouraging employers to take a more human-centred approach to mental health - using creativity to support connection, inclusion, and meaningful conversation in the workplace.
The Mental Health Matters poster campaign, now in its third year, is inviting workplaces to express what mental health means to them through art, with submissions open until July 5.
Designed for people of all ages and work backgrounds, the campaign creates opportunities for teams to come together, reflect, and engage in ways that foster a genuine sense of belonging across organisations.
Backed by international evidence, including research from the World Health Organization, engagement in the arts has been shown to support mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and help people process difficult experiences.
It is estimated that mental health difficulties cost Irish employers an estimated €11 billion annually through absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover, according to Ibec and Deloitte Ireland reports.
As organisations continue to invest in wellbeing, there is growing recognition that initiatives which foster psychological safety, inclusion, and connection are not only beneficial for employees, but also contribute to improved engagement, retention, and overall workplace culture, with estimates suggesting a return of up to €4 for every €1 invested in workplace mental health.
"Supporting mental health at work is not just about policies, it’s about connection," said Stephen Butterly, CEO of mental health charity Aware. "This campaign provides an opportunity for organisations to engage their people in a shared experience that builds awareness, understanding, and a stronger sense of community."
Sponsored by Nua Healthcare Services and supported by national partners including An Post, the HSE, The Samaritans and Aware, the campaign provides free participation packs to help organisations engage employees in a structured, meaningful, inclusive, and accessible way.
Founded by Barbara Louise Brennan, a suicide survivor and workplace mental health specialist, the Mental Health Matters campaign is rooted in both lived experience and more than 15 years of work in the sector.
“Workplace wellbeing cannot be addressed through policy alone," said Barbara Louise Brennan. "It is shaped in everyday moments - how people feel, how safe they feel to speak, and how connected they feel to those around them. This campaign creates a simple but powerful way for organisations to begin those conversations.”
To find out more about the campaign, visit www.mentalhealthmatters.ie
