Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Workplace

A new resource has been launched in Victoria to promote positive mental health in the workplace. The Victorian Mental Wellbeing Collaboration is a partnership between WorkSafe Victoria, VicHealth and SuperFriend. These organisations are working together to "help workplaces create positive and supportive work cultures and environments by focusing on organisational leadership and encouraging workplaces to implement positive mental wellbeing strategies that enhance existing policies and processes."

A new website can be found at http://leadingwellvic.com.au/

The website outlines who the respective partners are and why they are involved in this particular initiative stating that " Victorian Workers spend a third of their time in the workplace and workplaces can have a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of workers. The work environment can provide a positive sense of community and connection with others, as well as build self-esteem and provide recognition and rewards for individual workers and teams which can drive productivity and positive organisational culture."

The website also includes current projects and a resource centre. A starting point for any organisations looking to promote or address issues relating to positive mental health in the workplace is the Guideline for organisations document.

This document features the six pillars of promoting positive mental health in the workplace

• Mental health and wellbeing strategy
• Developing a work environment that promotes positive mental health
• Positive leadership style
• Communicating effectively
• Recruitment and selection of employees
• Supporting and developing of employees

Further information can be found at the above website or by emailing info@vwmwc.com.au

Mental disorders are one of six priority work-related disorders identified as national priorities in the first five years of the Australian Work Health and Strategy 2012-2022. They have been chosen based on the severity of consequences for workers, the number of workers estimated to be affected, and the existence of known prevention options.

Further information on the Australian Strategy can be found here