National Workplace Initiative Updates | Have Your Say - National Mental Health Commission

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New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy workplaces that have come across our desk.
WA regulations on psychosocial hazards:Work health and safety regulations for the control of psychosocial risks came into effect on 24 December 2022 in Western Australia. These regulations require employers to eliminate psychosocial risks, or to minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable. It follows the introduction of regulations in NSW and Tasmania last year.
WHS regulations for Comcare: New work health and safety regulations on managing psychosocial hazards in the Comcare jurisdiction will come into effect on 1 April 2023. Click here for more information.
New podcast for drivers: Transport and logistics company Linfox, in partnership with LiSTNR, has developed a podcast series covering the health of drivers and logistics workers. The podcast covers mental and physical health, with each episode directly relating to issues facing drivers across Australia and New Zealand. Click here for information.
Study into available tools: A new study by researchers at the University of Tasmania has identified available instruments to help organisations implement an integrated approach to mentally healthy workplaces (acting to protect and promote mental health and respond to mental ill-health). The study identified 207 instruments of which 10 were relevant to multiple domains. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Click here to access it.
New WHS survey launches: The National WHS Radar is a new survey of the health and safety experiences of workers in Australia. The survey by the NSW Government’s Centre for Work Health and Safety aims to capture worker feedback to help shape new research, policies and solutions to current and emerging WHS challenges. The survey closes on 31 January and takes 10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
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.
Noticeboard

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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy workplaces that have come across our desk.
National Safe Work Month: October is National Safe Work Month – a time when organisations and businesses are asked to commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians. Safe Work Australia is providing a range of resources for organisations to promote Safe Work Month. State work health and safety regulators are also undertaking campaigns to promote Safe Work Month. For details, visit SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe Queensland, WorkSafe WA, WorkSafe Tasmania, SafeWork SA, WorkSafe ACT and NT WorkSafe.
World Mental Health Day: Organisations and individuals are being encouraged to make mental health a priority this World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Mental Health Australia suggests people share your tips on how to look after wellbeing and mental health and follow #LookAfterYourMentalHealthAustralia and #WMHD2022 on social media. Visit the website for resources and tips.
WHO guidelines released: The World Health Organization Guidelines on Mental Health at Work, and accompanying Policy Brief from the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization, have been released. These global guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health at work by supporting those who live with, or without, a mental health condition to participate and thrive at work.
Receive Comcare updates: The Comcare eNews provides a regular newsletter and email updates on topics like latest research, hazards, prevention, mental health, rehabilitation, compensation and training. Click here to subscribe and access previous versions.
Psychosocial hazards infographic: Safe Work Australia has produced a new infographic on Managing psychosocial hazards at work. The infographic lists psychosocial hazards, the four steps to prevention and some key statistics and tools.
NSW implements WHS amendment: The NSW Government has implemented the Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This introduces regulations defining psychosocial hazard and risk and enshrines in law the need to manage psychosocial risks at work, with effect from 1 October.
Report on financial wellbeing: New research confirms previously anecdotal evidence that people face a range of mental health impacts including stress, diagnosable mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts when experiencing financial challenges. The Money and Mental Health Social Research Report was commissioned by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission in collaboration with Beyond Blue. The report showed people experiencing financial challenges are at least twice as likely to encounter mental health issues than those who aren’t. Access the research here.
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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy workplaces that have come across our desk.
New workshop series: SuperFriend and ReturnToWorkSA are delivering a series of virtual mentally healthy workplaces workshops in September. The program developed by SuperFriend aims to support Return to Work Coordinators and employers in South Australia in key areas including how to implement strategies for self-care and well-being and protecting against negative stress, fatigue and burnout.
Leader and manager training: New face-to-face or virtual Comcare instructor-led paid training is now available specifically for leaders on influencing positive change, and for managers on preventing and managing workplace sexual harassment. To find out more or for a quote, email education@comcare.gov.au.
Workplace impact on mental health: New research from the Diversity Council of Australia has found that almost as many Australian workers reported that work had a negative impact on their mental health (31%) as those who reported a positive impact (32%). The report Mapping the State of Inclusion and Mental Health in the Australian Workforce highlighted the importance of effective workplace programs and approaches to support people’s wellbeing and support those experiencing poor mental health.
Boost to mining mental health program: The Western Australian Government announced an additional $6.5 million for the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program as part of its State Budget 2022-23. Launched in December 2021, the MARS program boosts responses to mental health, workplace culture and mine safety in Western Australia's mining sector. Read more here.
Empathy and thriving workplaces: The Never Not Creative industry initiative recently released a new report into levels of empathy in the media, marketing and creative industry and the impact on workplace culture. The report included a survey of 500 people from creative, media, marketing, digital, PR and publishing backgrounds and interviews with industry leaders.
Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID-19: A reminder that organisations can access the Mentally Healthy Workplaces and COVID-19: Emerging Issues series which provides expert insights and tips to address key challenges impacting workplace mental health. The guides also connect organisations to further sources of guidance and support. 
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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy work that have come across our desk.
Supporting ongoing reform momentum: The Australian Government has signalled its ongoing commitment to the reform of the mental health and suicide prevention systems in this week’s 2022-23 Federal Budget, the National Mental Health Commission has said. The Budget detailed the second stage of Federal investment in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and increasing its total commitment to $3 billion. Read the Commission’s statement here.
Upcoming information sessions: SafeWork NSW is hosting free online information sessions for NSW businesses on the new Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work and the free People at Work psychosocial risk assessment tool. The sessions are designed to help businesses meet their work health and safety obligations. Register here.
Crisis management and mental health: National Mental Health Commission CEO Christine Morgan, Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and The Resilience Project Founder Hugh van Cuylenburg will discuss ‘Crisis management and the impacts on resilience and mental health’ at the 2022 Comcare National Conference from 7-8 June. Early-bird tickets are available here.
Anxiety amid global crisis: When crises such as COVID-19, wars, or natural disasters are reported in the news one after another, it can elevate anxiety. Professor Jennie Hudson, Head of Research at Black Dog Institute, has provided advice for coping with anxiety in times of global crisis. Read it here.
Small business mental health: Small business owners are reminded they can access the free and confidential mental health coaching program, NewAccess for Small Business Owners, developed by Beyond Blue. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Government announced additional funding which would continue the service until December 2022.
Industry-led initiatives: Readers can still access the NWI’s series on industry initiatives supporting mentally healthy workplaces. The series showcases current industry-level approaches and provides a practical guide for setting up industry-led initiatives.
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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy work that have come across our desk.
Webinar to help managers: Stress, fatigue, and lack of motivation are common feelings experienced across workplaces, affecting work performance and overall wellbeing. Black Dog Institute’s free webinar Staying well at work in trying times on 2 March will share practical strategies to apply at an organisational and team level to help staff feel connected and get the support needed.
Leaders and workplace mental health: Organisational leaders must move away from yoga and fruit bowls and focus on job design to genuinely support workplace mental health, National Mental Health Commission Chair Lucy Brogden tells UNSW Business School’s Frederik Anseel in a new interview. The interview covers practical ways organisations need to offer mental health support to employees both now and beyond COVID. Read more here.
Spotlight on agriculture: Fiona Simson, President of the National Farmers’ Federation has featured recently as NSW’s Mentally Healthy Workplaces Ambassador. In a video Fiona shares her thoughts and advice around mental health within the agriculture sector in NSW.
Accessing latest updates: Those working in the Comcare jurisdiction can stay updated on current issues and strategies around workplace mental health by subscribing to Comcare’s Mental Health Community Practice, a bi-annual event. There is also access to recordings from previous events.
Talking mental health at work: A new app designed by NSW’s State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and Sydney University provides support for those considering telling someone at work about their mental health concerns. The READY app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and real-life experience of workplace recovery to help individuals decide whether they should disclose their mental health concerns to someone. Read more here.
New guide on hazards: The Mind Your Head campaign has published a detailed guide for managing mental health hazards at work for Health and Safety Representatives. The guide covers a range of issues for HSRs, including rights and responsibilities for workers and HSRs, how to identify common mental health hazards in the workplace, and what to do if a mental health injury occurs.
Industry-led initiatives: Readers are reminded they can still access the NWI’s series on industry initiatives supporting mentally healthy workplaces. The series showcases current industry-level approaches and provides a practical guide for setting up industry-led initiatives.
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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy work that have come across our desk.
Focus on Working Minds: Psychology Week 2021 (29 November – 5 December) is exploring the role psychology plays in the workplace. The week will raise awareness of tools can be used to create a positive, mentally healthy workplace and how these tools can be applied to different industries and workplaces. Insights into how workers feel about work, and how this impacts their mental health, will also be shared. Learn more on the Psychology Week website and on social media #PsychWeek.
Free business coaching on mentally healthy workplaces in NSW: The NSW Government is providing a free business coaching service to help businesses in NSW to address specific mental health at work topics and create mentally healthy workplaces. The Direct Practical Coaching service, delivered by Transitioning Well, is available for up to four hours delivered online or over the phone, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. The service focuses on providing owners and leaders of any private business with less than 200 staff or not-for-profits of any size, hands-on guidance to help create a mentally healthy workplace. For more information visit the mental health at work website.
Latest evidence summaries: Subscribe to Comcare eNews to receive Emerging Evidence Alerts highlighting the latest research on workplace health and safety. This recent alert (Page 13) connects to mentally healthy workplaces evaluating a humour intervention to reduce stress, improve work enjoyment and boost performance.
Insights for mentally healthy workplaces: WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell has completed a mid-evaluation of the program, resulting in the WorkWell Emerging Outcomes Report. The report identifies key evidence-based emerging insights for creating mentally healthy workplaces, such as the importance of partnerships, and reveals evidence for predicting psychological safety. It shows the program has generated a strong understanding of what works to influence change at the systems-level to create mentally healthy workplaces.
Managing hazards in the office: Comcare’s newly renovated Office Safety Tool provides employers and workers with tips on how to manage hazards found in the office. The tool includes work health and safety guidance on working from home, workplace mental health and workplace sexual harassment.
Focus on women athletes: A new study by researchers from the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University will assess and track the mental health and wellbeing of Australian women athletes in semi-professional and professional sports. The AFL has joined the Commonwealth-funded study as a lead industry partner. Read more here.
Talking mental health at work: The NSW State Insurance Regulatory Agency has worked with Sydney University researchers to fund the final stage development of READY app – a platform that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and real-life experience of workplace recovery to help individuals decide if they should disclose their mental health issues to someone at work. Learn more here.
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.
Noticeboard

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.
Noticeboard

New research, resources and other initiatives in mentally healthy work that have come across our desk.
Managing pandemic fatigue: The National Mental Health Commission and mental health services are urging all Australians to take practical steps to maintain their mental wellbeing. It is important to be aware of pandemic fatigue in ourselves and in those around us, so we can take proactive opportunities to maintain our wellbeing. Click here for steps to manage pandemic fatigue.
Resources for better practice EAPs: Comcare’s evidence-based resources support the design and evaluation of Employee Assistance Program services that can improve organisational outcomes and worker wellbeing. The resources include Better Practice Principles and a Monitoring & Evaluation Framework.
Spotlight on frontline workers: Research into the effect of COVID-19 on frontline workers including police, paramedics and child protection workers has found the incidence of depression and anxiety were many times higher than the general population. The study by Charles Sturt University researchers investigated the levels and causes of stress, depression, burnout and anxiety in 1,542 respondents. Click here for the findings.
Mentally healthy during COVID: We remind organisations of the Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID resources, which provide information and supports to sole traders, small and medium to large businesses. They were developed by the National Mental Health Commission, with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and Ahead for Business.
Suicide first-aid for first responders: Fortem Australia and LivingWorks are offering first responders and their family members free, face-to-face suicide first aid training. Training occurs during August and September. Click here for more details.
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 recently. Please note these resources are provided as a service to our readers and do not imply endorsement.
Importance of mentally healthy work

With several states experiencing renewed restrictions, we remind organisations of the potential impacts on mental health at work.
The Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID resources provide practical information and supports to sole traders, small and medium to large businesses. They were developed by the National Mental Health Commission, with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and Ahead for Business.
The resources convey the importance of protecting people from harm by managing workplace risks to mental health, responding to and supporting people experiencing mental ill-health, and promoting wellbeing through good work.