mental health · safety culture · workplace wellness ·

How to create an amazing workplace mental health program

Need to improve mental health at work? You're not alone.

With reports up to 1 in 5 workers have taken time off work for mental health reasons in the last 12 months (1), now more than ever, we need to create workplaces that respect, protect and support the health of our workforce.

Establishing an effective workplace mental health program can seem complicated, but in reality, it's not and the outcomes for all involved can be truly life changing. Here are 10 steps to consider when creating a mental health program that prioritises employee well-being at your workplace:

Create a safe, supportive workplace culture. Foster a work environment that values empathy, open communication and mutual support. Encourage employees to share their stories, experiences and struggles, and create processes that allow confidential reporting of concerns. Promote a culture where employees feel safe to discuss mental health issues without fear of judgment or negative repercussions.

Raise awareness and reduce stigma. Start the conversation about mental health at your workplace. Raise awareness by conducting training programs, educational sessions, and workshops to help employees recognise signs of distress, understand mental health issues, and reduce stigma associated with asking for help. Let them know where to get help, and that getting help is to be celebrated, not looked at as a sign of inferiority or shame.

Implement mental health policies. Develop clear policies and procedures that address and protect mental health in the workplace. The policies you need will be specific to your workplace and can include procedures on flexible work arrangements, reasonable workload, time off for mental health, and accommodations for employees with mental health conditions. Consult with your workforce to develop pocesses that work for your organisation and regularly review and update them to ensure they reflect best practice and organisational and workforce needs.

Train managers and leaders. Provide training for managers and leaders to identify signs of distress amongst their cohorts (and within themselves), to be aware of mental health issues and how they can respond appropriately as leaders. Equip them with skills to have supportive, coaching conversations, to accommodate employee needs, and to connect employees with the necessary resources. Managers and leaders play a critical role in promoting mental well-being amongst their teams.

Promote self-care and resilience. Educate employees on the importance of self-care and in how to build resilience. Offer workshops or training on stress management, mindfulness, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices. Encourage employees to prioritize self-care and always lead by example.

Foster work-life balance. Encourage work-life balance by promoting boundaries and discouraging excessive work, overtime or burnout. Encourage employees to take breaks, use vacation time, and engage in activities that promote mental well-being both at work and during time off.

Provide resources and support. Offer accessible mental health resources to employees and leaders to further reinforce your commitment to a healthy workplace. This can include employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services, or partnerships with mental health organisations. Ensure employees are aware of the availability of these resources and how to access them when they need.

Collaborate with external partners. Consider partnering with mental health organisations, such as beyondblue.org.au as well as with psychologists, counsellors, and occupational physicians to enhance your workplace mental health program. Collaborations can provide additional resources, expertise, and support in addressing mental health challenges at your workplace.

Evaluate and measure impact. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your mental health program. Collect feedback from employees via consultation, surveys and training programs to better understand their needs and experiences. Use this feedback to refine and improve your program over time and to best tailor your mental health program to your specific workplace.

Continuously communicate and promote the program. Regularly communicate the availability of mental health resources, support, and initiatives across your business. Use multiple communication channels such as newsletters, intranet, or team meetings to ensure employees are well-informed about the program and your mentally healthy workplace message is clear to all.

Every workplace is unique, so tailor your mental health program to suit the specific needs and culture of your organisation. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a supportive environment, you can create an amazing workplace mental health program that positively impacts not only your business but your employees' lives.