Supporting mental health in the workplace

Mental health conditions affect one in five Australians every year. Almost half the population will experience a mental health condition in their life. Employers can help employees deal with mental health. They can also create a supportive workplace that supports the mental health of all.

Understanding mental health conditions

There are many types of mental health conditions. These include common issues like depression and anxiety. They also include less common illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mental health conditions can be managed, and people can live full and productive lives. 

For information on mental health conditions and symptoms, visit the healthdirect website. 

Mental health at work

Those with mental health conditions probably know best. They know what causes their symptoms and what they need. To support your staff, work with your employee to find arrangements that suit them. 

Starting a conversation about mental health

Mental health conditions can present in different ways. You might notice changes in an employee’s behaviour or attitude. These conditions might affect the way they work as well as their wellbeing.
Before you talk to an employee about their mental health, you need to plan the conversation. A good starting point is to tell your employee that you are concerned about them. Be specific about the workplace issues you have noticed. The RU OK website has tips on how to do this in a supportive way.
Remember to respond to what your employee tells you. There may be many reasons for a change in behaviour. Money issues, relationship problems and illness can harm work and behaviour.
By talking to the employee about your concerns, you can start to make a support plan with them for the workplace. Plans may include actions to help manage symptoms. They might also key support services.

For more information about mental health support plans, visit the headspace website. 

What to do when an employee tells you about a mental health condition

If an employee tells you they have a mental health condition, it is important to respond in a sensitive way. Keep in mind that:

• mental health conditions are common and most can be managed
• most people will be able to work well without support and adjustments most of the time
• mental health conditions can impact different people in different ways. 

Don’t assume you know how the condition will affect your employee. Offer to talk about the issues and be open to learning from them. 

Your employee may suggest that you: 

• increase workplace awareness – for example, through training for your staff.
• help them make a plan to support them at work. 

Making workplace adjustments to support your staff

The impact of mental health conditions may change, so support may need to be flexible. If the employee’s symptoms affecting their work, consider changing their tasks or workload. Talk with the employee about this too. 

Many workplace adjustments and solutions cost nothing, or very little. For example, you could:

• have a clear role description and key performance indicators for each job. Make sure everyone can access these – for both clarity and in case any issues come up that relate to the role
• change the structure and routine of the employee’s role so it is more consistent
• let the employee work more flexible hours
• set the employee up with a mentor
• give your employee access to an Employment Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs give private counselling to help with work or personal issues.

Be creative when you develop strategies. Just because something has always been done one way, that doesn’t make it the best way. Review changes and solutions regularly. By doing this, you may find better processes for everyone. 

Supporting general mental health at work

The right work practices and policies can support all your employees. A good way to support workplace mental health is to include mental health awareness in various processes. For example: 

• when introducing new employees to the workplace
• during work health and safety training
• as part of ongoing staff education and training programs.

Managing stress at work

Some mental health conditions are made worse when the person is stressed. Stress is harmful even for people without a mental health condition. Too much stress can make it hard for people do their jobs and to communicate well. Stress can also reduce self-belief and cause depression and other mental health conditions.

Recognising stress

Signs of stress might include feeling hopeless, upset or anxious. People may make more mistakes, forget things, not communicate well or get angry easily. Stress can also lead to people using alcohol or drugs more.

Supporting employees who feel stress

Create a supportive workplace so your employees can:

• be aware of what causes stress for themselves and their co-workers
• feel comfortable discussing stress and mental health with each other, with a counsellor or trusted friend
• take meal breaks and other breaks
• get exercise, fresh air, or a change of scenery during breaks. It will help reduce their stress.

Check for workplace processes or events that may cause employee stress. Think about how you can take away or reduce these risks and create a supportive work culture. You can help employees by promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Tips to support better mental health

Below are a few tips that can help both employers and employees manage good mental health:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
• Take regular work breaks.
• Plan regular performance feedback.
• Learn about stress reduction techniques.
• Do complex tasks at times you can concentrate best.
• Identify someone to talk to if needed: a work colleague, friend, family member or a counsellor.
• Think about what causes you stress and ways to reduce the effects.
• Plan activities each day that you will look forward to.
• Set realistic goals.
• Stick to a routine.
• Have interests and hobbies outside of work.

Your employee might also see their GP and discuss a mental health care plan with them. For more support, consider seeing a mental health specialist who has training and experience in working with people who have mental health conditions or problems with stress at work.

The healthdirect website has more information about mental health treatment plan. 

Services and financial support

The Employment Assistance Fund can help fund mental health awareness training in the workplace. It can also help fund one-to-one support with a mental health specialist.

The Heads Up website helps Australian workplaces to become mentally healthy, benefiting employees and businesses, big and small.  

Here is a list of other websites that may be useful for you and your workplace: 

Australian Psychological Society
Beyond Blue
Black Dog Institute
Head to Health
Mental Health First Aid Australia
Sane Australia

Download

Mental Health Awareness Training