Mental Health in the Workplace

Organisations that promote mental health and wellbeing are positive and productive, and get the best out of everyone. Businesses that invest in healthy workplaces attract and retain highly talented staff because they’re great places to work. Staff are more motivated, there is higher morale and employees are more productive in mentally healthy organisations.

A healthy workplace culture is also better for your bottom line. Research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that every dollar spent creating a mentally healthy workplace can on average result in positive return on investment of 2.3 due to decreases in presenteeism (reduced productivity), absenteeism and compensation claims. You can calculate the potential savings from investing in a mentally healthy workplace using the Heads Up ROI tool.

Recognition of Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Organisations committed to mentally healthy companies are increasingly being recognised through Awards and social media campaigns.

The Australian Psychological Society Workplace Excellence Awards recognises organisations who support employee health and psychological well-being while enhancing organisation performance. You can find out more here.

How to Create a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Heads Up supports the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance which brings together businesses, unions, the mental health sector and regulators to promote mentally healthy workplaces.

Heads Up provides organisations with a wealth of free resources including clear action plans and strategies to support organisations in creating mentally healthy workplaces. You can find more information here.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stirling Connections is committed to working with organisations to promote mentally healthy workplaces through their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAP is a prevention, early intervention and treatment program designed to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of all employees and their families.

EAP programs are funded by organisations as part of their commitment to creating a healthy workforce by enabling their employees and their families to access psychology, health and wellbeing services. You can find out more about Employee Assistance Programs at Stirling Connections here or contact us to develop a program tailored to meet your organisation’s needs.

We offer easily accessible online EAP psychology, health and wellbeing services. Your team will be able to access the support they need at a time and place convenient to them.

Research Supporting Mentally Healthy Workplaces

Are you looking for evidence that supports the value of investing in employee mental health and wellbeing?

Return on Investment

Research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that every dollar spent creating a mentally healthy workplace can on average result in positive return on investment of 2.3. Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) (2014) Creating a mentally healthy workplace: Return on investment analysis. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Click here for the full report.

Mentally healthy organisations have reduced absenteeism, decreased risk of conflict, and less grievances, turnover, disability injury rates and performance or morale problems. Standards Council of Canada (2013). Psychological health and safety in the workplace — Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation. CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013.

Recruitment & Retention

Three-quarters of Australian employees indicate a mentally healthy workplace is important when looking for a position. Instinct and Reason (2014) Heads up Initiative: Employer of Choice Study. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Click here for the full report.

Organisations with a positive approach to mental health and safety have higher productivity, increased worker engagement and increased ability to recruit and retain talented people. Instinct and Reason (2014) Heads up Initiative: Employer of Choice Study. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Click here for the full report