Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy
Learn about how the NSW Government is supporting NSW employers, leaders and workers to take effective action to create mentally healthy workplaces.
The strategy
In 2018 we launched our Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy to enable employers and workers to take effective action in creating mentally healthy workplaces across NSW.
We combined the latest research, evidence, and advice from over 100 experts across academia, government, business, and people with lived experience of mental illness to create our strategy.
The strategy's key focus industries were:
- transport, postal and warehousing
- information, media and telecommunications
- manufacturing, and
- professional, scientific and technical services.
To support their unique needs in improving workplace mental health, NSW regional, small, and micro-businesses were also areas of focus.
Delivered over a four-year timeframe, spanning from June 2018 to June 2022, the strategy exceeded its targets and resulted in a significant increase of businesses implementing mentally health practices within their workplace.
Evaluation
An independent evaluation report of the implementation and outcomes of the strategy shows it achieved:
- increased awareness and understanding of mentally healthy workplaces
- increased capability of NSW employers to create mentally healthy workplaces
- employers created lasting changes in workplaces following their participation in strategy programs
- improved productivity and a quicker return to work, shown through a reduction in the average time off work and a reduction in the cost of claims.
Results
Our Strategy target was exceeded.
Number of NSW businesses taking effective action to create a mentally healthy workplace.
Increase in NSW employers taking effective action on mental health since measuring commenced in 2017.
We've created a wide range of evidence-informed tools, resources and guidance to support NSW businesses. Overall, our program participants indicated they feel more capable and confident in taking action to create a mentally healthy workplace as a result of the strategy programs.
Small businesses reported a positive trend in capability improvement, with an overall 3% increase in businesses taking effective action to be mentally healthy. Regional businesses also demonstrated similar improvements.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a greater focus on mental health and wellbeing in workplaces. As a result, there was greater engagement with our free tools and programs.
All four of the targeted industry sectors showed improvement in their average scores of being a mentally healthy workplace.
Change through legislation
The Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work was introduced in May 2021. Its goal was to provide guidance to businesses on the importance of mental health at work and their obligations under the WHS legislation.
The Code has been influential in raising employer awareness and understanding of mental health at work and is the first of its kind in Australia.
Measuring workplace wellbeing
The Workplace Wellbeing Assessment was developed in consultation with customers to provide employers with a self-service online tool to assess how mentally healthy their workplace is as well as mental health experiences of their workers.
The comprehensive report provides the results, strengths, and weaknesses of the business along with tailored recommendations for improvement. This data also allows businesses to compare themselves to others in the industry and track changes in their workplace over time.
Free training programs for business
We delivered Mental Health at Work Training exceeding our target participation rate with over 25,000 participants completing the program. The program has been well received, with 99% of participants surveyed indicating they would recommend the training.
The Direct Practical Coaching (DPC) program has similarly had great results, with universally positive feedback received from surveyed participants. The program was targeted at companies in high-risk industries with tailored support to each business. Overall, participants reported they found the program useful and have made beneficial changes in their workplace as a result.
Change through collaboration
Our Mentally Healthy Workplace Ambassadors program contributed to the Strategy’s success, reaching over 1.2 million people through organic and paid social media.
As recognised and respected leaders in their field, our Ambassadors increased mental health awareness:
- through sharing their experiences and leading change in their industries
- hosting and attending events to help support their peers implement mentally healthy work practices.
This partnership allowed us to reach industries beyond our four main target industry sectors.
What's next for workplace mental health in NSW
The 2022 Strategy has helped the NSW Government in raising the profile of mental health in workplaces to create lasting change.
Whilst we have made a significant impact in workplaces across NSW, there is still work to be done in ensuring all workers feel supported at work by their employer.
As we look to the future, we will now shift our focus from raising awareness to achieving compliance in workplaces across NSW in the new Psychological Health and Safety strategy in 2023.
Recent changes were made to the WHS Regulations 2017 which now clarify that workplaces are legally required to manage psychosocial risks. The Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work will be reviewed to align it with the new Regulations and provide further information for workplaces on how to comply with their legal obligations.
The updated strategy focus will include working with businesses to ensure every employer is meeting their legal requirements, as well as educating workers to ensure they understand their rights.
Our inspectors will also be visiting more workplaces, to ensure that business leaders have the necessary measures in place to manage psychosocial risks.
The focus of this new approach reflects our commitment to ensuring all workplaces across NSW are meeting their obligations in providing psychologically healthy and safe workplaces for all.
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