The evidence-informed programs have been introduced to address the impact of mental ill-health on the economy, which costs Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year due to lost participation and productivity. Research shows that management capability is one of the most influential contributors to improving mental health outcomes for employees.
“Investing in mental health is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of business that will lead to better productivity and outcomes for both individuals and organisations. Mentally healthy workplaces have increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and more engaged staff” says Pamela Withey, clinical psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute, delivering mental health training to workplaces.
The Institute’s research shows that manager mental health training results in improved knowledge, confidence, and management of mental health at work, generating a $10 return on investment for every dollar spent on training.
The interactive training workshops were developed in line with the National Mental Health Commission’s Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, to build leadership skills around the core principles of creating environments that protect, respond to, and promote mental health at work.
The first program, Protecting and Promoting Mental Health at Work, provides senior and team leaders with practical strategies to help prevent mental health issues from developing in the workplace in the first place.
The second, Managing for Team Wellbeing: Navigating Conversations, provides a deeper look into how leaders can have constructive conversations with employees about mental health concerns and how to be more effective in performance management.
With customisable options, training is relevant for businesses of all sizes and industries and can be completed in less than four hours.
“Leaders have a work health and safety responsibility to provide a psychologically safe workplace. The Black Dog Institute’s mental health training provides practical strategies to minimise risks to mental health, support staff who are experiencing challenges, and promote well-being,” says Pamela Withey.
All workplace training programs delivered by Black Dog Institute are evaluated to measure the impact of a mentally healthy workplace. Following training, Black Dog's results show:
- 75% of managers have taken action to prevent or minimise risks to mental health in the workplace
- 83% of managers have initiated conversations with staff about wellbeing
- Within three months of training 86% of participants implemented at least one workplace wellbeing strategy.
More information about the training can be found here.
NEED A MENTAL HEALTH POLICY?
My Business Workplace has a mental health policy that:
- explains the importance of positive mental health
- sets out steps for improving and maintaining positive mental health
- defines mental illness and provides examples of common symptoms
- encourages employees to seek professional help in circumstances where they might be experiencing mental illness, and
- provides contact details for organisations that provide counselling and support for people suffering from mental illness.
View the Mental health policy here.
TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE RISKS TO MENTAL HEALTH
- Identify any hazards that may increase stress or impact mental well-being. This could include high job demand, exposure to traumatic events, low support options, or inadequate recognition.
- Assess those risks. What is the likelihood of this hazard occurring? How could this harm people?
- Control the risks. Implement a process or system that eliminates or reduces the risks e.g. reduce the amount of time staff spend on high-demanding tasks, or introduce recognition initiatives. Start by talking with other managers who may have experienced this and the implementations they put in place.
- Review controls. Monitor and review controls to check if they’re working. Consult with staff throughout the process to seek insights and feedback.
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