Mental health affects all areas of the community, and small businesses are not immune to its impacts. The State Government is introducing legislation around occupational health and safety regulations for psychological health that will recognise hazards posing mental health risks in the workplace.
Talking about mental health and well-being should be part of everyday workplace conversations. But if you have limited training on the topic, where do you start? That’s why Mornington Peninsula Shire and Speak & Share are running four workshops this month – World Mental Health Awareness Month – and providing online resources to help you feel confident when discussing mental health with your team.
The workshops are at Rye Hotel on October 16 from 3-5pm; The Rumbl on October 18 from 5.30-7.30pm; Sanctuary Inn on October 24 from 9-11am; and Jetty Road Brewery on October 26 from 5.30-7.30pm. Fifty free tickets are available for each session, limited to one participant from each business. They can be booked at www.mpbusiness.com.au/wellbeing
“Discussions around the importance of good mental health are all around us,” the shire said in a statement. “Today, conversations around mental health start as early as kindergarten, where children learn about mindfulness and being kind to themselves. For more and more young people, mental health discussions come with little stigma; it’s a natural topic to talk about for them.
“A mentally healthy workplace is beneficial for both businesses and their employees (through) increased productivity and job satisfaction, more engagement and better energy in the workplace, less sick leave (and) improved overall employee health.”
Mayor Steve Holland said employers were facing challenges such as workloads, new consumer expectations, supporting their employees’ well-being, financial demands and global uncertainties. “In addition to this, local businesses experience challenges of high seasonality, staff shortages and exclusion from regional funding. By embracing well-being as a core business function, businesses will enjoy numerous benefits, including increased productivity, heightened employee engagement and improved overall employee health.”
The shire received a $15,000 grant through Business Victoria to develop and run the workshops and develop a mental health and well-being toolkit that includes templates, guides, and resources. These are available on its website.
The shire is also offering one business the chance to win a Speak & Share tailored workshop valued at $1500. Find details at www.mpbusiness.com.au/wellbeing
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