Having a workplace that promotes and supports workers’ mental health means that everyone benefits from a healthier, safer and more productive workforce.

According to a PwC and Beyond Blue report on mental health in the workplace, untreated mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces $10.9 billion per year – $4.7 billion in absenteeism, $6.1 billion in presenteeism and $146 million in compensation claims.

The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2022 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics also found that one in five Australians experience mental ill-health in a 12-month period.

A supportive work environment, where mental health and wellbeing is as important as physical health and safety, can be a most effective antidote to these issues.

It’s worth considering investment in mental health initiatives in the workplace. An earlier PwC analysis found there is an average return on investment of $2.30 for every $1 spent on workplace mental health initiatives.

Taking personal care

Taking care of yourself can help you to face life’s inevitable stressors and keep you feeling positive and well while you are at work or running your own business. Be proactive about looking after your own mental health, in the same way you take action to protect your physical health and safety in the workplace.

Look out for others too. Staying connected and having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. You don't need to be an expert, just a good friend or workmate and a great listener. If you notice someone who might be struggling, start a conversation and offer your support.

Read our Top 10 Tips to maintaining and improving your own health and wellbeing. Notice what you are already doing well, and be honest with yourself. For example, if you think you need to talk to your GP or a counsellor about anxiety or feeling depressed, write it down as an area for action.

Feel good about yourself for making small changes – these can lead to big improvements.

If you need help or just someone to talk to, our mental health page includes a list of service providers.

Safety solutions at work

Take a look at your systems of work design and management before complementing with individual health and wellbeing programs. Mental health hazards can be identified through one-on-one discussions with workers, observations and reviewing past incidents.

Workplaces can be a good setting for promoting healthy attitudes about depression and anxiety, particularly through education and awareness. Encourage a workplace culture where work-related stresses and struggles can be discussed in an open, supportive and constructive manner.

The most effective health and wellbeing programs follow the same steps as successful safety programs, so your efforts are best done as part of an integrated approach.

Our Simple Steps to Safety guide, with useful templates and checklists, will help you to include work health and safety as part of your business planning. Following these steps can help you create a positive work health, safety and wellbeing culture that contributes to the success of your business.

Use our health and safety checklist to help identify mental health-related hazards in your workplace and find areas for improvement. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Have you provided sufficient support to your workers, such as management, training, and coaching?
  • Do you provide opportunities for workers to have a say about the way they do their jobs?
  • Do you educate workers about acceptable behaviours and how to report unacceptable behaviours?
  • Do you promote a fair and positive work environment?
  • Is coaching available for those suffering from work stress, such as a PCBU-funded employee assistance program that allows workers to access confidential counselling?

View our Top 10 Tips video, which can be used as a discussion starter or inspiration for toolbox talks and group exercises around sharing the responsibility for maintaining and improving health and wellbeing.

Seek information, advice and support from our free workplace advisory service if you need it.