Mental health charity beyondblue has launched a practical guide for health services to introduce a workplace mental health strategy within their organisations.
The how-to guide was developed as part of beyondblue’s workplace and workforce program and complements its Heads Up initiative, which provides online advice and resources on workplace mental health.
The health-industry-specific resource aims to give health organisations the tools to create mentally healthy workplaces and encourage a culture that promotes staff wellbeing.
beyondblue said organisations that support the mental health and wellbeing of staff see improved productivity and workplace recruitment and retention.
Health professionals are exposed to a range of risk factors that can impact their health and wellbeing including long working hours, shift work, compassion fatigue, occupational violence and exposure to trauma.
The new resource provides organisations with a step-by-step guide for creating a mental health strategy, establishing an action plan and reviewing performance. The guide also provides tips on communicating with staff and overcoming common challenges to implementing an organisational strategy.
Representatives from health services across Victoria, as well as industry peak bodies, unions, professional associations, government and academics were consulted as part of the resource’s development.
The guide has also been reviewed by WorkSafe Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services to align with current workplace health and safety policies.
The resource was formally launched by new beyondblue chair Julia Gillard, CEO Georgie Harman and Victorian health minister Jill Hennessy on 30 August.
Download the guide here.
