It’s amazing to see more people talking about mental health, especially in the workplace. SafeWork NSW even found that, in 2020, 12.5% more medium-sized workplaces are tackling mental health compared to 2017. That’s a huge step forward!
But here’s the reality check: only 7% of overall workplaces have committed to a sustained approach to mental health support. While it’s great that more workplaces are starting to act, there’s still a long way to go.
Why employers play a big role
Employers have a massive responsibility in supporting their team’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s not just about ticking boxes – when people feel supported, they’re happier, more productive and more likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a win-win for everyone: happy employees lead to a thriving business.
Stress, burnout and anxiety don’t just disappear by themselves. Ignoring these issues can impact not only their personal lives but also their professional performance. And if people feel they can’t talk about their mental health at work, it can make things worse.
That’s why formal mental health support is so important – it creates a culture where employees feel safe, supported and valued.
Why mental health initiatives matter
Investing in mental health isn’t just good for the individual – it’s great for the workplace too.
Businesses that prioritise mental health can expect:
Improved creativity
When employees aren’t weighed down by stress, they’re better able to focus, think creatively and bring their best ideas to the table.
Higher productivity
Mentally healthy teams tend to be more focused and productive at work, leading to better outcomes for the business.
Lower staff turnover
When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to stay loyal and committed to the company, reducing recruitment and training costs.
Even with these benefits, it can be hard for businesses to know where to start. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do everything at once. Even small steps can make a big difference in creating a mentally healthy workplace.
Small steps make big changes
One of the biggest challenges that employers face is knowing where to start. Mental health initiatives may seem daunting, but they don’t have to be.
If you’re an employer looking to get started, there are a few simple things you can do right now:
1. Offer mental health training for managers. Give your leadership team the tools to recognise early signs of stress or burnout and how to support their team.
2. Encourage open conversation. Make it easy for employees to talk about their mental health without fear of judgement.
3. Offer flexibility. Simple adjustments, such as flexible working hours or remote work options, can go a long way in helping employees manage stress and maintain a better work-life balance.
These small changes can have a lasting impact on the mental wellbeing of your team.
How Mind Blank can help
At Mind Blank, we’ve been working with organisations of all sizes to help create mentally healthy workplaces.
We use interactive theatre workshops to make learning about mental health engaging and relatable.
Rather than just sitting through a presentation, employees actively participate in our workshops. We act out real-life scenarios and invite the audience to step in and offer solutions. It’s a fun, creative way to explore difficult topics like stress, burnout and conflict resolution.
Our programs focus on:
- Burnout prevention
- Stress management
- Conflict resolution
- Early intervention by recognising mental health warning signs
We tailor our workshops to fit the specific needs of your team, creating a program that aligns with your company culture.
Whether you’re just starting to focus on mental health or looking to improve existing programs, we can help you build a stronger, healthier workplace.
Visit Mind Blank to learn more about how we can help you get started.
