Many important conversations are held over a warm cuppa. So, this Mental Health Month (October), ACT workplaces are encouraged to take a break and host a Wellbeing Priori-Tea and chat about mental health.

CEO of the ACT Mental Health Community Coalition Corrine Dobson says the purpose of the project was to create a way for communities and workplaces to come together to promote discussions around mental health to help reduce the stigma.

“People spend up to a third of their week at work, so it’s important to create safe, supportive workplaces to ensure people are taking care of their mental health and wellbeing,” says Ms Dobson.

“Around 90 per cent of employees think mental health is an important issue but only 50 per cent believe their workplace is mentally healthy.

“We do know it’s an issue in workplaces. Where there are workplaces that have supportive environments where people are able to talk about mental health, there are much more positive benefits for wellbeing and productivity of the business.”

COVID-19 has created additional strain on wellbeing in the workplace, particularly for employers aiming to look after their employees’ mental health but not being able to see them face to face due to hybrid working, says Ms Dobson.

Additionally, workplace burnout has been a common trend and issue across the Australian workforce, and she’s even seen it within her own sector.

“It’s a huge issue. There’s a number of things that need to happen to address that, and there’s probably not one thing that will solve the issue.

“However, creating settings and situations where people do feel able to discuss mental health and wellbeing in a non-threatening way is an important first step.”

Employers who invest in their employees’ mental health receive immense benefits in productivity, says Ms Dobson, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to foster mentally healthy workplaces.

“Workers are even more so than ever really actively looking at the mental health culture within jobs,” she says.

“Nearly three quarters say it’s an important consideration when looking for jobs and also improves staff retention as employees in healthy workplaces are less likely to seek other employment and it reduces absenteeism.”

While the Wellbeing Priori-Tea is not a magical solution to solving these issues, it creates a non-threatening space for workers to have the necessary and important conversations, says Ms Dobson.

Mental Health Month ACT is aiming to double its previous number of nearly 100 local workplaces holding a Wellbeing Priori-Tea during the month of October, and encourage all businesses to visit their website to find out how to host their own event.

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