Latrobe Valley businesses will be better equipped to tackle mental
health in the workplace following a special briefing in Traralgon this week.
The briefing, ‘Managing mental health at work,' is shining a spotlight
on mental health issues, which are often hidden in the workplace but can have a
huge impact on individuals and businesses.
The series is being presented by Cancer Council Victoria, who is
delivering the Victorian Government's Achievement Program, in partnership with the
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Attendees will learn practical and effective ways to address mental
health in the workplace, how to support staff members who are experiencing
mental health issues and how the Achievement Program can be used to create a
mentally healthy workplace," said Anthony Bernardi, Achievement Program Manager
at Cancer Council Victoria.
"A mentally healthy workplace may offer flexible work arrangements to
support work-life balance, support staff to manage their workload and job
stress or modify work tasks to give employees variety in their role.
"It's also important for employers to provide staff with
accessible information about mental health and wellbeing and encourage them
to use local support services when needed.
"Caring for your staff members will result in a healthier, happier and
more productive workforce."
Six businesses in the Latrobe Valley have so far committed to improve
mental health and wellbeing via the Achievement Program and Cancer Council
Victoria hopes the briefing series will generate even more interest in the
community.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the peak body for
business in Victoria, is jointly leading the initiative and said that untreated
mental health conditions in the workplace can be a huge cost to both
individuals and businesses.
"It's estimated that failing to address mental health in the workplace
costs businesses in Australia $10.9 billion a year,1"
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone said.
"It makes good business sense to look after the mental wellbeing of your
employees, as having an effective mental health policy can result in less
absenteeism and a more productive workforce."
The Achievement Program is based on the World Health Organisation's
Healthy Workplace Model.
It helps employers improve their policies and create an environment
which supports the health of their teams, in areas such as mental health,
alcohol and physical activity.
To join the Achievement Program visit achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au or call
1300 721 682.
For more information about Victorian Chamber visit victorianchamber.com.au
The Achievement Program is supported by the Victorian Government.
- www.headsup.org.au/news/2015/01/23/the-financial-cost-of-ignoring-mental-health-in-the-workplace