Mental health in the workplace is still unchartered territory for many organisations, and many don’t know how to go about creating a mentally healthy workplace. There is still scant information or case studies about what works and what doesn’t.
This can cause a lot of angst for health and wellness professionals who are doing this for the first time, particularly as mental health needs to be managed very carefully. If you get it wrong, you can do real damage to employee engagement.
That’s why I’m so pleased to see the Call for Good Practice initiative from the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance (MHWA).
It’s calling on organisations to share their best practices in workplace mental health – what’s worked, what hasn’t – so others can learn from their experience.
Using the examples and case studies provided by people like you, the MHWA aims to develop an economic case for improving mental health in the workplace, and to provide employers with practical guidance to drive sustainable changes in business culture and practice.
It’s also a great way to promote your organisation as an employer of choice; it’s a chance to show your commitment to employee wellbeing.
edit June 2015:
While the Call for Good Practice Initiative deadline has passed, there are plenty of resources and information available to assist your workplace in being mentally healthy.
Go to www.headsup.org.au/ to find out more.
