Promoting a positive workplace culture

On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs

All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website

The information below has been left for historical compliance reference purposes

 

 

Mentally healthy workplaces: Resources for management

Promoting a positive workplace culture

Effective communication increases the likelihood of workers engaging in mental health initiatives. For mental health to be viewed as a priority within an organisation, safety culture needs to be embraced and modelled by senior leaders and management.

Leadership needs to actively demonstrate that physical and mental health are viewed as equally important, and ensure that mental health management is integrated into the safety management system and written into policies. Strategies need to be supported by appropriate action, especially by leaders and management, to ensure that the behaviours underpinned by these messages are valued and become part of the prevailing culture.

Modelling positive behaviours and attitudes

Effective leaders model their organisation’s values and standards for workplace behaviour and employees take their cues from their management and the immediate environment. It is important, therefore, to model behaviours that promote positive attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing. Modelling a positive workplace culture includes:

  • encouraging collaboration
  • welcoming new ideas
  • discouraging gossip and rumours
  • taking a zero tolerance approach to inappropriate and unreasonable workplace behaviours like bullying, violence, aggression and harassment
  • attending mental health training and events and encouraging staff to attend
  • being available to workers by having an open-door policy.

Understanding mental health stigma in the workplace

A helpful workplace safety culture develops through promoting a workplace that is inclusive, destigmatises mental health problems and encourages seeking of help.

Stigma associated with mental health has a negative impact on help seeking behaviours of those experiencing difficulties, and on the willingness of others to offer assistance. When stigma impacts on the way in which people behave toward another individual, this may constitute discrimination, and a barrier to individuals accessing support services.

Any delay in help-seeking can have a negative impact on mental health outcomes of workers, and in turn, affect the overall culture of the workplace.

Resources

Great leaders create a culture of care

The role of leaders in creating a culture free of mental health stigma

These webpages by SuperFriend provide information on the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces, how to create empathy in the workplace and what leaders can do to maintain a positive workplace culture.

Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Survey - 2019

This annual study by SuperFriend pinpoints actions most likely to help workers and workplaces thrive, highlights industries and groups of workers most at-risk and provides employers with a clear and comprehensive roadmap for intervention.
Webinar - How to create a mentally healthy workplace culture and reduce stigma

This webinar featuring speakers from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and Aurecon examines the prevalence of mental health conditions in the workplace and provides practical information and actions for organisations.

Framework to help eliminate stigma This webpage by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health provides information on the importance and benefits of reducing stigma as well as a 5-step plan to address stigma in the workplace.