Mental Health Awareness Week UK: Support Your Staff Through Ethical Gifting

Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK is fast approaching – is your business ready?
As more and more organisations seek meaningful ways to support their teams' mental health, sustainable corporate gifting has emerged as a surprisingly powerful tool that benefits both people and the planet. 

In other words, gifting is a small but mighty slice of a very large pie – which also includes the likes of flexible working and fostering open communication.
But for business owners, supporting your employee’s mental wellbeing isn't just a one-week

campaign. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between gifting and mental health, as well as strategies for implementing an effective gifting programme that supports your team when they need it most.

Why Gifting Matters for Mental Health

There's a science behind why receiving a thoughtful gift makes us feel good. Numerous psychological studies have shown that unexpected tokens of appreciation trigger dopamine release, that feel-good neurotransmitter we could all use more of during stressful periods. 

But the impact goes deeper than momentary pleasure. In pressure-cooker environments, such as in SaaS startups, where burnout rates can reach alarming levels, these moments of recognition are invaluable.

And, for teams working remotely, physical gifts create a tangible connection that Slack messages simply can't replicate.

The Link Between Sustainability and Mental Health

So, why should your gifts be sustainable? The link between environmental concern and mental health is increasingly clear. A recent study found that climate anxiety is positively related to pro-environmental behavior and activism – possibly because taking action offers a sense of agency or purpose

When your team receives sustainable gifts, they're freed from any guilt that comes with gifted items that go against their values. Say goodbye to waste, and hello to boosted employee morale.

Practical Ethical Gift Ideas for Mental Health Support

So, we know that sustainable gifting can benefit mental health, but what exactly can you give? The options for employee gifting are far more diverse and impactful than you might think. 

Here are some options approved by the Ethical Gift Box team:

• Don't write off Notebooks and pens. They're great tools for mindfulness. Opt for a recycled leather notebook or mindfulness journal and a high-quality fountain pen. Encourage reflection and gratitude practice, something your employees can continue at home. 
• If your business runs wellness sessions (another tasty pie slice), or your team is particularly sporty, consider subtly-branded gym gear. The mental benefits of exercise are widely documented, so gently encouraging your team to stay active can result in huge benefits to both their personal and work life.
• Low-maintenance plants in biodegradable pots serve dual purposes – they've been proven to reduce stress while improving air quality in home offices. Seed kits give your employees something to cultivate, allowing them to take five minutes to themselves. This is almost-sacred in high-pressure environments.
• Reusable water bottles and mugs can help employees stay hydrated throughout the day. Opt for insulated options made from reclaimed materials or those with built-in filtration systems. Drinks like herbal tea and wellness beverages promote relaxation at both work and home. These daily rituals help to keep employees calm, engaged, and feeling positive. 
• Likewise, providing employees with sustainable lunch boxes can help encourage them to bring healthier food options to work, which will benefit both body and soul. Stackable bento boxes are particularly handy. Fill with wholesome snacks, and it's a gift that keeps on giving.
• For teams returning to offices part-time, consider sustainable gear like recycled canvas backpacks or organic cotton totes that make the transition between work and home more seamless. Stylish pouches and luggage tags are brilliant options, particularly for business travellers.

By selecting gifts that simultaneously support mental wellbeing and sustainability, you demonstrate a commitment to your team's health AND the planet. What’s not to love?

How to Implement a Mental Health Gifting Strategy

You’ve picked your gifts… but what comes next? Awareness weeks can serve as an excellent prompt, but providing year-round support to your team is vital. So, what's the most effective gifting strategy? It's important to pre-empt the natural ebbs and flows of your business – anticipate high stress periods and plan accordingly. Your team will truly appreciate it.

Here's how: mark product launches or end of busy quarters with small tokens that acknowledge your team's hard work. You could even put together a Thank You Kit—or a Post-Launch Recovery Kit—to really show your appreciation.

It's also important to recognise an employee's achievements beyond the obvious milestones by celebrating professional development achievements or personal life events. After all, why wait until their 10th work anniversary to make an impact? Create surprise moments when they're least expected but most needed.

Consider creating different categories of gifts that address various aspects of wellbeing, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Your engineering team might benefit from tech gifts to help manage focus and organise their clutter, while customer success teams might need wellbeing gift boxes to support emotional labour and boundary-setting.

Like any good business owner, you'll want to measure the results of your gifting programme. Don't overcomplicate this. Even simple—but, importantly, anonymous—feedback cards allow honest responses about what's working and what you can improve.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Staff Through Gifting

As we now know, sustainable gifting is more than just an environmentally responsible choice. It's a powerful way to support employee mental health and wellbeing. It’s one cog in a much larger system.

Remember that the most effective gifting strategy will anticipate needs, recognise your team's diverse preferences, and provide consistent support beyond just designated awareness weeks or major milestones. That's how to truly show your team they are valued as whole people, not just workers.

Not sure where to start? Choose from The Ethical Gift Box’s full selection.