Guide for Workplaces

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is all about the power of belonging, and for workplaces, that message matters every day.

We all deserve to feel like we belong. When we feel included, seen, and valued, we're better able to work well, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to our communities.

Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on how belonging shows up in your workplace and to identify ways you can help everyone feel welcome and included.

Start a conversation

Consider discussing these questions at your next team meeting:

• What does belonging look like in our workplace?
• What sort of welcome do visitors receive when they come here?
• How do our people see themselves reflected in the spaces and places around our workplace?
• What events or celebrations help our staff feel seen, valued, and included? For example, Matariki, Diwali, Pride Week, or other significant cultural occasions.

Spread the message

Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week you'll see the campaign across social media, radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and billboards.

We'd love for your workplace to be part of the movement too.

Download our resources

Order a free Event Pack and display posters to display throughout your office, staffroom, reception area, or communal spaces.

Share with your staff

Send an all-staff email or include a message in your customer newsletter.

Suggested copy:

At [insert workplace name], we know how important it is for people to feel that they belong. That's why we're proud to be taking part in Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (12-18 October).

This year's theme is Belonging Matters. Throughout the week, we'll be celebrating the small, everyday moments that help people feel connected and valued, while building a stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone.

Share on social media

Download a Mental Health Awareness Week social media sticker and add it to your own workplace photos and social media content.

Share stories, activities, and moments of connection from your workplace, and remember to tag @mhfnz and use #MHAWNZ when posting.

Review your workplace calendar

Use the InCommon Belonging Calendar Exercise to identify the cultural dates, celebrations, and milestones that are most meaningful to your staff.

It's a practical way to ensure important moments of diversity, inclusion, and belonging are recognised throughout the year.

Resources and activities

We've created a range of free resources to help you bring the theme of belonging to life.

Kōrero Cards

Use our conversation cards to help spark meaningful discussions. Available as part of the printed Event Pack or as a downloadable resource, they're perfect for team meetings, staffrooms, and shared spaces.

Workplace Bingo

Encourage staff to discover what they have in common with their colleagues through our workplace bingo activity.

Gratitude Poster

Help spread kindness and appreciation with our printable gratitude poster, featuring tear-off compliment strips that staff can share with one another.

Get creative

Alongside the campaign resources, feel free to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week in a way that feels meaningful for your workplace.

You could:

• Create an "Our Community" display featuring photos of families, cultures, communities, and places that are important to your staff.
• Host a potluck lunch and invite team members to bring a dish that is meaningful to their culture, whānau, or personal story.
• Pair up colleagues who don't usually work together and shout them a coffee to encourage new connections.
• Share stories of belonging and connection from across your organisation.
• Create opportunities for staff to recognise and thank one another for the positive contributions they make every day.

For small business owners

If you're a small business owner, watch or listen to the Xero NZ Open for Small Business Podcast, released on 15 October, featuring the Mental Health Foundation's Kylie Ryan, Head of Health Promotion. The episode explores how small businesses can foster belonging for employees, customers, and their wider communities.

Let's create workplaces where everyone belongs

Belonging isn't built through one big gesture. It's created through small, everyday actions that help people feel welcome, valued, and connected.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, join us in celebrating the moments that bring us together and help make our workplaces places where everyone can belong.