Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Organisations that promote mental health and wellbeing are positive and productive, and get the best out of everyone. Businesses that invest in mental health and wellbeing attract and retain highly talented staff because they’re great places to work. Staff are more motivated, there is higher morale and employees are more productive in healthy workplaces.

A mentally healthy workplace is also better for your bottom line. Research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that for every dollar spent creating a mentally healthy workplace can on average result in positive return on investment of 2.3 due to decreases in presenteeism (reduced productivity), absenteeism and compensation claims. You can calculate the potential savings from investing in a mentally healthy workplace using the Heads Up ROI tool.

Increased Awareness & Recognition of Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Organisations committed to mentally healthy workplaces are increasingly being recognised through Awards and social media campaigns. The Australian Psychological Society Workplace Excellence Awards recognises organisations who support employee health and psychological well-being while enhancing organisation performance. You can find out more here

Resources for creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Heads Up supports the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance which brings together businesses, unions, the mental health sector and regulators to promote mentally healthy workplaces. Heads Up provides organisations with a wealth of free resources including clear action plans and strategies to support organisations in creating mentally healthy workplaces. You can find more information here

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stirling Psychology is committed to working with organisations to promote mentally healthy workplaces through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAP is a prevention, early intervention and treatment program designed to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of all employees and their families. EAP programs are funded by organisations as part of their commitment to creating a mentally healthy workforce by enabling their employees and their families to access psychology services.

You can find out more about EAP programs at Stirling Psychology here or contact us to develop a program tailored to meet your organisations needs. We can offer face to face services from our practice on the Mornington Peninsula or easily accessible online psychology services.

Research supports the Value of Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Return on Investment

Research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that for every dollar spent creating a mentally healthy workplace can on average result in positive return on investment of 2.3.
Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) (2014) Creating a mentally healthy workplace: Return on investment analysis. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Link To Report.

Mentally healthy organisation have reduced absenteeism, risk of conflict, grievances, turnover, disability injury rates and performance or morale problems.
Standards Council of Canada (2013). Psychological health and safety in the workplace — Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation. CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013

Recruitment and Retention

Instinct and Reason suggest that three-quarters of Australian employees say a mentally healthy workplace is important when looking for a job.

Workplaces with a positive approach to mental health and safety have increased productivity, improved worker engagement and are better able to recruit and retain talented people.

Instinct and Reason (2014) Heads up Initiative: Employer of Choice Study. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Link to report.