Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the NSW Government has launched a new Workplace Pulse Check tool to help businesses improve their mental health support and access training and materials from SafeWork NSW.
“Our local businesses take great pride in looking after their employees and this tool from the NSW Government will allow businesses to implement proactive measures to support their staff’s mental health in the workplace,” Mr Singh said.
“Work can be a stressful environment and I know employers take staff welfare very seriously – this initiative will be a huge benefit when it comes to protecting mental health.
“The NSW Government is offering free, one-on-one practical coaching for small and medium sized businesses, as well as mental health training workshops tailored for employers, managers and employees to help businesses become mentally healthy.”
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said mentally healthy workplaces have more productive staff who feel more positive about work, with less absenteeism and better retention rates.
“By completing a pulse check, you will be able to establish how your business is doing in terms of its approach to mental health, as well as receive advice on how to provide a supportive culture for your employees,” Mr Anderson said.
“We know mental health is a big issue impacting regional NSW, so by helping businesses to become mental healthy, the NSW Nationals are building a safer and stronger regional NSW.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said business leaders can play a substantial role in supporting their employees’ mental health at work.
“There are so many things business leaders can do to ensure their workplace is mentally healthy – from regular check-ins and discussions around mental health, to proactively identifying and addressing risks,” Mrs Taylor said.
October is Mental Health Month in NSW. To access the Mentally Healthy Workplaces ‘Workplace Pulse Check’, please visit www.mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au
