New mental health research to help workplaces

One in five employees is bound to experience mental health issues at any given time. Given the long hours workers spend on the job, it is crucial for employers to create environments that would help them thrive.

To this end, the Western Australian government has partnered with the University of Western Australia to help workplaces implement mental health program.

$500,000 has been set aside to promote and support workers’ mental health. Funds will be coursed through the Mental Health Commission.

“This partnership will result in research that will have a real impact,” UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said.

The university’s Centre for Transformative Work Design will help the government develop assessment tools, training modules, educational materials and other resources to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, and support mental health.

Evidence-based activities and resources will be developed within the Centre’s State-wide Thrive@Work Strategy.

The funding will also support the implementation of the Western Australian Workplace Mental Health Standards.

“Workplaces have the potential to impact on people’s mental health both positively and negatively,” Mental Health Minister Roger Cook said.

“Creating thriving workplaces is good for employees, good for the wider community and can reduce the impact of lost productivity on business.”