The NSW Government offers employers several Mental Health resources that are both informative and easy to use. Click here
Why mental health at work matters
When work is good, it provides us with a sense of purpose, belonging, achievement and self-esteem. Our working lives affect our overall mental health.
Key information
- A mentally healthy workplace is one that protects and promotes mental health and responds to people who may be experiencing mental ill-health in a supportive way.
- Employers have a legal obligation to provide a working environment that is both physically and mentally safe. However, mental ill-health is likely in many workplaces, whether you see it or not.
- Poor workplace mental health can impact a business' bottom line through increased staff leave, staff turnover, workers compensation claims and reduced productivity.
A mentally healthy workplace benefits every employee and every business, no matter the size or industry.
What a mentally healthy workplace looks like
Just like physical health, mental health is not static. Each of your employees may be going through stages of being mentally healthy or unhealthy.
When a workplace is mentally healthy
- There's a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and engaged.
- There's visible commitment from leaders to promote healthy practices, prevent risks to mental health and support early intervention.
- Work is designed to be safe.
- There is a process of continuous evaluation and improvement.
- Systems, policies, procedures are integrated and embedded across the organisation.
- Support is tailored to each employee.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is everyone's responsibility. Workers should have an awareness of their mental health, including the risks and early signs of mental ill-health. They understand how work can contribute to mental health and what actions they can take to get or give support.