A mentally healthy workplace is important, not only from a legal perspective, but based on the fact that both the worker and the business benefit as a result. If the workplace culture is good, people will want to be part of your business – subsequently attracting and retaining good staff, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
The NSW Government reports that the estimated annual cost of mental illness for NSW employers is 2.8 billion. For every $1 spent to improve mental health at work, you can achieve returns of up to $4 through improved productivity and savings from reduced workers compensation claims.
The NSW Government offers a free coaching program to provide guidance to make changes in your workplace and assist your business create a mentally healthy environment. To be eligible to access the one-on-one coaching, your business must:
- be a NSW business with 1 to 200 employees
- be a not-for-profit organisation of any size
Any type of business, no matter how big or small, you should consider ways to improve mental health in your workplace by:
- developing strategies to manage work-related issues including bullying and stress
- acting early, communicating effectively and reducing mental health stigma
- being flexible and clarifying role expectations
- being a good role model and involving others.
For further information regarding a mentally healthy workplace, please refer to the NSW Government resource kits.
Source: NSW Government
Title: Managing Mental Health in your Workplace
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