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New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy workplaces that have come across our desk.
Resources for work design: Work design is a primary prevention and protection strategy for psychological and physical health and mentally healthy workplaces. The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) and the OHS Body of Knowledge have published a new chapter on Work Design. The chapter is targeted at OHS professionals but provides valuable information for anyone interested in psychological and mental health at work good work. The chapter is by Lisette Kanse and Laura Fruhen from the University of Western Australia. Access the chapter for free here.
Wellbeing initiatives - finding what fits: If you missed Comcare’s recent Mental Health Community of Practice featuring speakers from the Future of Work Institute, Medibank, and the ATO - the recording, slides and resources are now available on its website.
New assessment tool: The NSW Government has launched the free Workplace Wellbeing Assessment tool to help organisations survey staff and measure how mentally healthy their workplace is. The tool provides a report on how the organisation compares with others of similar size and industry. It also provides information on what the organisation can do to make the workplace healthy and productive. Click here to access the tool.
CEDA on workplace mental health: Organisations need to embrace job design, manager training and business-wide strategies to meaningfully impact mental health of employees, according to a report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). The report warns that without meaningful action by organisations, workers compensation claims for mental health are set to double by 2030. Access the report here.
Research into workplace injury cost: Safe Work Australia has released summary findings from research it commissioned exploring the cost of workplace injury and illness in Australia. The analysis by Deloitte Access Economics used innovative computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling to estimate how much value could be created within the Australian economy by removing work-related injury and illness.
US releases workplaces framework: Mentally healthy workplaces are gaining traction internationally, as seen by the United States Surgeon General recently releasing a new Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace. The framework outlines the foundational role that workplaces should play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and our communities. This follows the release in September of World Health Organization Guidelines on Mental Health at Work, and accompanying Policy Brief from the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization.
Focus on prevention in 2023: Comcare’s first Prevention Strategy provides a coordinated pathway to support workplaces to prevent harm from psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment and work demands, and to enable a culture of health and safety, compliance and reporting.
Many of our readers have requested access to the latest research, reports and information from the sector. The above list of resources have been shared with the Commission this month. Please note these resources are provided as a service to our readers and do not imply endorsement.
