mental health: positive work culture is vital

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


• 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


Our three key areas of work:


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


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


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.


• 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


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


• 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


• 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


• 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?


• 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


• 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?


• 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?


• 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


• 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


• 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


Contact

Alison [email protected] 08 9420 7277

Follow us on Twitter @TheWAAMH

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mental health: positive work culture is vital

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