Businesses have been urged to share their mental health and wellbeing initiatives with the goal of establishing best practice resources for the corporate world.
The Mentally Health Workplace Alliance (MHWA) is calling for organisations to complete a 20 minute survey outlining their policies, initiatives, and all other strategies they utilise when approaching mental health in the workplace.
MHWA is a cross-sector partnership between The Business Council of Australia, The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC). It’s ultimate goal is to develop practical and national resources for organisations to use in developing mentally safe workplaces.
“According to the statistics, 20% of the Australian employees are dealing with mental health issues right now. Meanwhile, lost productivity and labour participation due to mental illness is estimated to cost the Australian economy $20bn every year,” Professor Allan Fels, chair of The NMHC, said.
Fels stated that 45% of Australian adults will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, and so ensuring a mentally healthy and safe workplace should be paramount for all organisations.
“Businesses that invest in mental health are also more productive, innovative and likely to recruit and retain the best and brightest people. That’s why this project, and collaboration and support from the business community, is so important,” he said.
Submissions close 31 August. To take part, go to www.workplacementalhealth.com.au.
