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New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy work that have come across our desk.
Indicators of a Thriving Workplace: Now its seventh year, 2021 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Report shares insights from Australian workers and their experiences through the second year of the pandemic. The report provides suggested actions that organisations can implement. The research explores key issues including how to ensure workers are mentally healthy and productive and the best wellbeing initiatives workplaces can implement.
Small business mental health: A new Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry report has found small business owners’ self-report stress levels and rates of mental ill-health are higher than before the pandemic. The report, Small Business, Mental Health; navigating the complex landscape, shows the current regulatory landscape around managing and supporting mental health at work is increasingly complex, with five primary pieces of legislation to comply with.
New measurement tool: The NSW Government has launched the 11-question Workplace Pulse Check for businesses to find out how mentally healthy their workplace is and provide actions to improve. The tool also includes a comparison of their results to other businesses of the same size and industry.
Help shape recovery toolkit: The NSW Government is seeking feedback to shape the recovery@work toolkit, which aims to help develop supportive workplaces for people experiencing mental health issues. Feedback so far has highlighted the importance of communication and planning tools and access to better information. Consultation is open until 30 November.
Modern work and mental health: The Black Dog Institute’s new white paper, Modern work: how changes to the way we work are impacting Australians’ mental health, examines the changing world of work over the last 20 years and its impacts on the workforce. It concludes that better systems and structures are urgently needed to protect the mental health of Australian workers and make recommendations for government and organisations.
Latest evidence summaries: Subscribe to Comcare eNews to receive Emerging Evidence Alerts highlighting the latest research on workplace health and safety. This month’s alert (Page 13) connects to mentally healthy workplaces evaluating a humour intervention to reduce stress, improve work enjoyment and boost performance.
Evaluation shows promising results: An independent evaluation of Comcare's expansion of an early intervention mental health program found participants had a 73% recovery rate. Comcare in partnership with Beyond Blue delivered the coaching service NewAccess workplaces to APS partners.
Mental health at work podcast: Managing Minds is a new five-part podcast series that aims to help managers more effectively deal with mental health issues in the workplace - from stopping burnout to managing an unhealthy workplace culture. Managing Minds was funded by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Recovery Boost Program.
Mental mealth and work safe awareness: Throughout October, organisations were reminded of the importance of creating safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians during National Safe Work Month. Organisations were encouraged to share resources from Safe Work Australia’s campaign kit, using the hashtags #safeworkmonth and #ThinkWorkBeSafe when promoting National Safe Work Month on social media. Elsewhere, Mental Health Australia encouraged everyone to make a promise to “Look after your mental health, Australia” for World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The campaign website shared tips and advice from organisations and Australians and resources to help organisations and communities mark World Mental Health Day.
Many of our readers have requested access to the latest research, reports and information from the sector. The above list of resources has been shared with the Commission this month. Please note these resources are provided as a service to our readers and do not imply endorsement.
