What is a mentally healthy workplace?
A mentally healthy workplace is one where workers and management collaborate to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of all.
Maintaining a mentally healthy workplace involves continually addressing health, safety and wellbeing concerns in and due to, the work environment. This includes the:
- organisation and design of work
- workplace culture
- physical environment
- facilities provided.
Through creating mentally healthy workplaces, organisations can make a valuable contribution to improving the mental health of their workers. We spend a lot of time at work, and it has a significant impact on our lives. Using this part of life to make a positive impact on mental health is a good idea.
Why is creating a mentally healthy workplace important?
Preventing harm to mental health and wellbeing is important because:
It’s the law – workplaces and management have an obligation to prevent harm to the health and safety of workers
It’s the right thing to do – leaders and managers have a social and corporate responsibility
It’s the smart thing to do – making mental health a priority in the workplace makes good business sense and helps contribute to a higher performing Western Australian economy.
What can I do?
The mental wellbeing of people at work is good for everyone and enhances personal and organisational success. Everyone has a role to play, both in looking after their own mental health and creating a mentally healthy workplace.
Find out what you can do to promote and protect mental health in your workplace.
