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Mental health: Positive work culture is vital
Alison XamonPresident
WA Association for Mental Health
7th May 2015
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
Waamh
• Western Australian Association for Mental Health
• Peak body for mental health sector in WA
• Incorporated in 1966
• Largely funded by, and works with WA’s Mental Health Commission
• Large membership base, predominantly community mental health services, but also individuals and number of other organisations
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Our vision is to lead the way in supporting and promoting the human rights of people with mental illness, their families and carers, through the provision of inclusive, well-governed community-based services, focused on recovery.
Our Vision
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
Mental health is everybody’s business
• Mental health affects employers, employees, and families• 1 in 2 people will experience a mental
health issue in their lifetime • 1 in 5 affected any given year• 5 in 5 people will know of someone• Positive culture is vital for maintaining
a mentally healthy workplace
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
Today’s main topics
• What is mental health?• Why mental health in the workplace is important• Creating positive work culture • Changing work environments • How employment enhances mental health• What can employers do?• What should employees do?• How can you help someone?• Where to find professional services
and further resources
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
What is mental health?• Mental health is having a sense of wellbeing, confidence
and self esteem
• Being mentally healthy enables us to fully appreciate and enjoy other people, day-to-day life and our environment
• We can form positive relationships, use our abilities to reach our full potential, and form resilience to deal with life’s challenges.
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Attract the best candidates• Improve team morale • Higher staff productivity • Establish a strong public profile• Positive reputation and brand • Reduced Absenteeism • Decreased staff turnover • Higher staff and skills retention • Lower overhead costs • Save time recruiting, replacing and training staff
Mentally healthy workplaces
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
Unhealthy workplaces• High levels of stress • Sleep disturbance • Impaired ability to make decisions • Reduced output and performance • Concentration problems • Loss of self-confidence • Depression• Anxiety, hypersensitivity, panic attacks • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • Incapacity to work • Loss of energy, team morale and self-esteem • In extreme cases, risk of suicide
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Pressure from competitive work environments• Vulnerability to redundancy• Job uncertainty• Managing workload• Job description or fit • Lack of recognition or engagement• Balance between work and family • Demands of modern technology with people accessible 24/7
Changing work environments
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• A workplace mental health and wellbeing program can eliminate many of the costs associated with mental health issues
• Employers have obligations to provide a safe and healthy environment, including psychologically.
• Employees have an obligation to protect their own mental health and contribute positively to a workplace culture
• By having the right policies and procedures in place, and maintaining a positive culture, workplaces are able to successfully support people who may be vulnerable to mental health issues
Creating positive work culture
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Right policies and procedures• Access to referral services• Approach issues sensitively• Encourage team cohesiveness, with everyone one the
same side, working towards a common goal• Promote people with the right leadership skills • Hire the rights skills for the right role• Train, grow, educate and mentor your staff• Get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week
What can employers do?
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Include mental health in toolbox safety talks• Grab a guest speaker to talk to your staff • Up-skill managers with mental health training courses• Endorse relaxation techniques • Encourage healthy behaviour with nutrition and exercise• Display posters / signage on mental health in common areas • Review your OHS policy to ensure it addresses mental health • Remind staff about their free access to EAPs
Some ideas
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Look after yourself
• Have interests outside of work
• Employ a positive attitude
• Employees need to take responsibility too!
• Find a job that gives you purpose and uses your strengths
• Take annual leave and your lunch break!
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Everyone has a role to play in creating a positive culture
• Find your passion – learn a new skill or volunteer
What can employees do?
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• You may be concerned about someone• Approach sensitively - think about time, place, tone• Frame the conversation• Let them know what behavioural change you’ve noticed• Ask if they agree• Listen!!• Sometimes just talking will be enough • Refer to professional advice if necessary• Positive cultures allow people to feel safe speaking up• Make it clear – it’s NOT an expectation to disclose a mental
illness if it is being managed properly and having no effect on your performance at work.
How can you help someone?
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• Where can you refer people?• You may be a manager, friend or kind ear – but you are not
a psychologist or clinician!• It’s important NOT to diagnose or label anyone experiencing
distress at work• After you’ve followed the correct approach steps, further
advice or assistance may be required • Employee Assistance Program (EAPs)• Community Mental Health Services• Talk to your GP
Professional services
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• The importance of employment for positive mental health and wellbeing should not be underestimated, providing:
• Sense of purpose• Belonging to a team or company• Improves self esteem and confidence• Teaches new skills and knowledge• Promotes social inclusion • Creates routine • Financial independence• Improves social relationship building
Employment = good mental health
Mental Health & Smoking: Clearing the Air Workshop 14 Oct 2010
• WAAMH • BeyondBlue• Brain Ambulance• Blooming Minds• SANE Australia• Black Dog Institute• Diabetes WA• This FIFO Life• Mental Health Week• The Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance• Return to Work
Further resources
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