Time to Talk Day
Making mental health part of the conversation
February marks Time to Talk Day, a national awareness day encouraging open conversations about mental health. In the workplace, this day is a powerful reminder that talking – really talking – can make a meaningful difference to how people feel, cope, and perform in the workplace.
Work is a major part of our lives. It brings structure, purpose, and social connection, but it can also be a source of pressure, stress, and anxiety. Deadlines, workloads, organisational changes, and balancing responsibilities at home can all take a toll on our mental health.
Despite this, many employees still feel unsure about speaking openly about their mental health, often due to fear of judgment, stigma, or being perceived as ‘not coping’.
Time to Talk Day isn’t about asking people to share deeply personal details. It’s about normalising everyday conversations that check in on how people are really doing. A simple ‘How are you, really?’ asked with intent can open the door to deeper understanding and connection.
Why talking matters
When people at work feel able to talk openly about their mental health, workplaces become healthier and more productive. Open conversations can:
- Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health
- Help people access support at the right time
- Strengthen trust and working relationships between colleagues
- Improve morale, engagement, and the workplace culture
For managers, creating protected space for conversation can help to identify when someone may need adjustments, flexibility, or signposting to further support.
What Time to Talk Day can look like at work
Time to Talk Day doesn’t need to be a big event. Small, meaningful actions often have the greatest impact. Examples include:
- Encouraging teams to take a break together and check in with one another
- Sharing personal reflections from leaders
- Promoting internal support options such as Employee Assistance Programmes, mental health champions, or wellbeing resources
Importantly, participations should always be optional. The goal is to create opportunities for conversation, not pressure to disclose.
How managers can support conversations
Managers play a crucial role in shaping team culture. On Time to Talk Day – and beyond – managers can:
- Ask open, non-judgmental questions and listen without trying to ‘fix’
- Thank employees for sharing and acknowledging their experiences
- Respect confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
- Signpost to appropriate support when needed
Sometimes, just being heard is enough to help someone feel less alone.
Keep the conversation going
Time to Talk Day is a starting point, not a one-off event. Creating a mentally healthy workplace means continuing to prioritise psychological safety, compassion, and connection all year round. When talking about mental health becomes part of everyday working life, everyone benefits.
This February, let’s take the time to talk – and listen.