Mentally healthy workplaces

Look out for your workmates, we've got the tools to talk about mental health

What you need to know

Mental health, just like physical health, is an important part of work health and safety (WHS).

Nearly 1 in 6 workers experience mental ill health at any given time, so chances are some of your workers are experiencing mental ill health.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor workplace mental health. Different industries, types of work and work locations present different risks. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes to work, created new risks and raised the potential of others, such as workplace stress, bullying and violence for frontline and essential workers. This can include threats and abuse from clients and members of the public as well as from other workers. Employers have a legal responsibility to manage these risks.

How can you manage the risk?

An example of the steps a business can take to address the risk of workplace stress and violence include:

identifying situations that may increase workplace stress or cause violence such as enforcement of new COVID-19 requirements like physical distancing, logging attendance in cafes or restaurants and increased waiting times
preventing the risk by taking action such as ensuring clear signage for customers to manage their expectations, create clear pathways and well-marked physical distance guides
providing training and support to staff around managing stressful or violent situations, what to do if they escalate and how to report them
seeking staff input on the measures being put into place and keep checking in to ensure they are working
responding to incidents by providing support in the moment such as by asking aggressors to leave the premises, and immediately afterwards such as by connecting workers to professional supports. Then follow your workplace’s incident and management investigation procedures.

When risks are managed, everyone benefits. Employers enjoy a more engaged and productive workforce, helping you attract and keep great workers. Workers also take less time off and your business saves money. For every dollar spent to support mental health at work, you can achieve returns of up to four dollars through improved productivity and savings from workers compensation claims.

Mentally healthy workplaces also provide workers with many benefits such as confidence, a feeling of belonging, financial security, a sense of purpose, achievement and social connection. If you're experiencing mental ill-health, a mentally healthy workplace will make it easier to get the support you need to get better, lessen your symptoms, and continue to enjoy the benefits of work.