Curtin University’s Centre for Transformative Work Design has launched a comprehensive set of mental health support resources for Western Australian workplaces.
The assessment tools, educational materials and other resources were developed with a $500,000 grant from the McGowan Government, as part of the implementation of the Suicide Prevention 2020 strategy.
The resources, including the development of a new website, aim to assist workplaces to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, and support employee mental health.
The Thrive at Work resources build on the State Government’s release of the ‘Impact of FIFO work arrangements on the mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers’ – one of Australia’s most comprehensive FIFO research studies.
Following that research, the State Government also released Australia’s first code of practice to help promote and maintain mentally healthy workplaces for FIFO workers in the resources and construction sectors.
The ‘Mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out workers in the resources and construction sectors’ code aims to address hazards and risk factors in FIFO workplaces.
One in five Australians experience a mental health issue in any given year, so it is critical that workplaces know how to create environments that help employees thrive.
Visit https://www.thriveatwork.org.au for more information. For support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling or Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“We spend so much of our time at work, it makes sense that there are resources available to help us stay mentally healthy where we work. Improving the mental health of employees in today’s workforce is vital.
“By providing funding for Thrive at Work, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians is a priority.
“I encourage all workplaces to think about mental health and implement strategies to improve awareness of mental health in their workplace, and provide appropriate support to their employees.”
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is committed to worker safety, in particular, the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians at work.
“Introducing this suite of mental health resources are a great step forward to helping combat psychosocial hazards at FIFO workplaces.”
