In the second week of Safe Work Month, we’re focusing on the vital role of mental health and wellbeing within our work teams. This emphasis aligns with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with this year’s theme being: “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.”
How can we prioritise mental health?
Research shows that regular, positive check-ins from managers significantly impact employee wellbeing. In fact, a 2023 report, 'Mental Health at Work: Managers and Money,' revealed that managers have a greater impact on mental health than doctors and therapists—and even equal to that of spouses and partners.
So, how do regular check-ins from Managers and Supervisors help?
To facilitate these crucial conversations, we are excited to launch the Pulse Check feature in the new wellbeing section of ProSafe. The tool encourages regular discussions between managers/supervisors and team members, providing guidance and prompts to help get the most out of conversations. Note: Records of Pulse Checks in ProSafe are managed by strict privacy settings and names are not included.
While Pulse Checks are designed for managers and supervisors, all team members can use this feature to record similar positive check-ins. There’s also an option to check in out of concern for a colleague who may be struggling.
Recognising when a coworker needs support
It’s essential to identify signs that a co-worker may be facing mental health challenges. Look out for:
If you notice these changes, reach out in a caring, non-judgmental way. For guidance on how to support your teammates, refer to our Building a Supportive Workplace toolbox talk.
Live webinars on mental health awareness
Throughout October, we’ll host webinars on anxiety and depression awareness. You can book into the Anxiety Awareness webinar here and the Depression Awareness here.
Pulse Check training session
For more information on using the new Pulse Check feature in ProSafe and having wellbeing conversations, training sessions will be held on:
Book your spot here. You can also refer to our user guide that can be found here.
For more information on the Pulse Check or supporting your team, please reach out to your HSEQ team member.
Join us in supporting our local communities!
This Safe Work Month, we invite you and your team to participate in a meaningful activity that directly benefits your local community, inspired by our "For All Of Us" commitment.
Your efforts could earn your team one of three exciting prizes: a $500 e-gift card for the grand prize winner and two $250 e-gift cards for the runners-up!
Submissions will be judged based on community contribution (e.g., painting a community hall, cleaning up a park), social contribution (e.g., volunteering), or contribution to sustainable/environmental practices (e.g., collecting and recycling waste). We encourage you to get creative with your activities!
Start planning your activity now! To enter the competition, submit a short video or photo of you and/or your team taking part in your activity. Submissions close 15 November.
Stay tuned for more Safe Work Month content next week!
In the meantime, explore local Safe Work Month events and resources through your local Safety Regulator:
VIC | TAS | NSW | QLD | SA | WA | NT | NZ