Importance of mental health in the workplace
Mental health in the workplace is vital to a resilient and successful business. Mental health issues can affect both employers and employees. It is important for employers to create a positive and inclusive environment, as well as ensuring their own healthy mental wellbeing.
More than two in five Australians (42.9 per cent) aged 16–85 years have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime
Source: Nation Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022
As an employer, you can help by:
- Promote and support work-life balance for yourself and employees
- Providing access to mental health resources like information, counselling, employee assistance programs, and stress management workshops
- Encouraging open communication and reducing stigma around mental health.
Focusing on maintaining good mental health can help with employee attendance, productivity, and retention. By prioritising well-being, you can create a more engaged and committed workforce.
Explore this topic further:
Take proactive steps and be prepared
If you employ staff, it is likely that you will have employees that will struggle with their mental health at some point. Being proactive in knowing where to find information and support will help you respond well.
Here are a number of resources you can access.
Familiarise yourself with various resources to foster a safe environment at work:
Workplace Resources for asking "Are you OK?" | R U OK?
Find video resources, downloadable posters and conversation guides through R U OK?
Mental Health Toolkit
A practical guide for the workplace from the Black Dog Institute, providing strategies and resources to support other experiencing a mental health condition
NT WorkSafe resources for psychosocial hazards
Looking at mental health in the workplace through the lens of Work Health and Safety. Find helpful definitions, what to look out for and strategies for managing psychosocial hazards.
Resources for managers supporting worker mental health
Access resources that help you understand the needs of workers and how to break down the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health
How to promote wellbeing at your workplace
There are many steps you can take to contribute to the wellbeing in your workplace. As you learn more about promoting positive mental health in the workplace think about what you can do today.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Think about how to support employee work-life balance. This might include establishing flexible working hours.
- Engage a professional to run mental health awareness programs and training.
- Include mental health management plans in employee development plans.
- Have open conversations about mental health and listen to people’s ideas.
- Ensure your physical work environment is safe and supportive. This can look like putting helpful information up, ensuring workstations are safe, supporting workers to maintain good working hours.
- Reduce stigma by learning about mental health and sharing what you know.
- Implement a mental health policy, which might include focuses one zero tolerance of bullying and discrimination, etc.
- Check in with staff individually regularly and encourage staff to seek help early if they are struggling.
- Provide access to mental health support through programs like Employee Assistance Programs.
- Implement a peer support program for staff.
Your workers’ mental health
Identify signs of distress and support employees in seeking help without fear of repercussions.
Know the signs and take action in a timely manner when you notice them.
Identifying behaviours:
- Becoming more isolated, withdrawing from team activities
- Sudden or extreme changes in mood such as irritability, sadness or frustration
- Lack of motivation, loss of enthusiasm or interest in work tasks
- Being absent from work, increased sick leave and extended time off
- Decreased productivity
- Fatigue and changes in appearance
- Relationship deterioration, becoming unresponsive to emails, call, tension and arguments with colleagues
- Frequent tearfulness
- Overwhelm or anxiety
What to do:
It is important to approach the situation with care. Start a conversation to check in on the employee’s wellbeing. If you don’t know where to start, visit this helpful information by Beyond Blue about supporting someone.
In general, you can follow this guidance when speaking to someone about their stress or wellbeing:
- Be patient and listen
- Be empathic, try not to judge someone’s situation
- Ask questions
- Offer support
- Follow up
Recognising the signs and taking the first step is challenging but essential. Using a mental health check in tool such as this checklist by Beyond Blue, can also be a good place to start.
Your mental health
Managing long days while balancing work and family life, especially when you're self-employed, can be stressful.
Its important to remember that you are the foundation of your business. Prioritising your health and well-being is essential to maintaining focus and effectively managing your business.
Below are some valuable resources tailored for small business owners:
One-on-one confidential support for Small Business Owners
Beyond Blue is here to support you. It is free and confidential. Over 6 sessions your mental health coach will work with you to manage stress. Call 1300 945 301
Easy access tools to help manage your mental health
Access online through Ahead for Business. Tools designed to help support your mental health and wellbeing. Take the business stress test, or start making your wellbeing plan to get ahead of your mental health.
Practical financial support in difficult times
The ATO can assist by arranging payment plan, postponing a lodgement or payment or expediting your tax return if your mental health is impacting your ability to run your business.
Construction Industry Support
If you are in the construction industry, Mates in Construction have resources such as training and events designed for you and your business.
Free phone service, non urgent or non emergency support
Mindspot offer different services. Starting with an online assessment, you can access telehealth support for the number of sessions that will suit you.
Call 1800 61 44 34.
Rural support
Rural and Remote Mental Health provide training and services to remote and rural communities.
Rural Health Connect has access to psychologists who understand rural and remote living and can provide bulk billed session to those who need it most.
What to do if I feel overwhelmed?
- Practise self-care: dedicate some time that promote relaxation, exercise, meditation or hobbies.
- Set boundaries: define specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible.
- Take breaks: allow yourself breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Schedule a holiday.
- Stay organised: maintain an organised workspace
- Prioritize tasks: focus on completing high priority tasks.
- Celebrate success: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Who can I speak to right now?
If you are feeling you need to talk to someone now, you can reach out the following free, confidential and available 24 hours a day services: