Mental Health Day 2024

It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace

The Role of Art Therapy, Games and Creativity - An Afrikala Art Perspective.

The workplace, where most people spend a significant portion of their lives, can either contribute to mental well-being or foster stress, burnout and disengagement. As we embrace the 2024 theme, "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace," we must recognise that mental health isn't just about productivity but about creating spaces where individuals can feel safe, grounded and connected.

1. Creating Safe Spaces through Art Therapy: Art therapy has proven to be an effective method for relieving stress and anxiety in various settings, including workplaces. By introducing art therapy sessions into the workplace, organisations can offer their employees a non-verbal outlet to process thoughts and emotions creatively. This allows individuals to explore their internal landscapes without the pressure of finding the “right words” to express themselves. Such sessions can help employees feel safe, supported and understood, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment. These activities could include:

• Guided drawing or painting sessions to help employees express emotions.

• Group mural projects that foster team collaboration and break down communication barriers.

• Creative journaling that allows individuals to reflect and prioritise self-care.

  
  

2. Games and Play to Boost Engagement and Connection: Games have always been an effective way to foster engagement, improve team dynamics and enhance problem-solving skills. Gamifying mental health initiatives or simply introducing playful activities can create lighter moments and balance the often stressful demands of the workplace. Workplaces can introduce:

• Problem-solving games that boost team collaboration while addressing communication and creative thinking challenges.

• Interactive role-playing sessions that help teams develop empathy and understand diverse perspectives within the workplace.

• Wellness breaks involving creative, interactive games that encourage movement and camaraderie.

  
  

3. Creativity as a Tool for Mental Health and Innovation: Creativity fuels innovation and problem-solving, making it a critical asset for businesses today. However, creative blocks often arise from high levels of stress, disengagement and burnout. Encouraging creativity through structured sessions can open up new avenues for expression while addressing mental health. Workshops focusing on:

• Mind-mapping exercises to generate innovative ideas in a non-pressured environment.

• Creative incubator sessions to allow employees to work on passion projects, integrating mindfulness into their work.

• Collaboration challenges that blend art, design and strategy, fostering a sense of purpose and community.

  
  

4. Building Community and Connection: Art therapy and creative activities help to build deeper connections within teams, fostering a sense of belonging. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to feel secure, valued and motivated. Creative wellness programs could include:

• Regular creative meet-ups where employees share ideas and work on collaborative projects.

• Community craft events that bring together teams for stress-free, enjoyable activities.

• Game and creativity-based workshops to develop resilience and provide opportunities for peer support.

  
  

5. Practical Benefits for Businesses: At Afrikala Art, we believe that integrating art therapy, games and creativity into mental health initiatives in the workplace not only benefits employees’ well-being but also creates more engaged, innovative and productive teams. By prioritising mental health, businesses and organisations will likely experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.

• Increased employee satisfaction and retention.

• A culture of innovation fostered by creativity and collaboration.

  
  

Afrikala Art is committed to creating these experiences in the workplace by combining art therapy, games and creative expression to promote mental health, foster team collaboration and improve employee engagement. It is time to add more to your traditional wellness approaches and embrace innovative mental health strategies that speak to the heart and soul of your workforce.

Get in touch with us to help you with all these and more.