ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

ADVANCING AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS CAN HELP TO REDUCE STIGMA, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SEEK SUPPORT. CONSULT AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES THE WORK OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, COMPRISED OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH AMBASSADOR NETWORK AND MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP, WHICH HAS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN EDUCATING OUR MEMBERSHIP ON THE REALITIES OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, MENTAL ILLNESS, AND WORKPLACE SUPPORT STRATEGIES.

Consult Australia celebrates the progress made by our member businesses in increasing their awareness and understanding of mental health. In our recent Industry Health Check, 62% of our member businesses reported that mental health and wellbeing is the most significant challenge they have faced over the past 12 months. While this statistic is alarming, it highlights the increased recognition in the importance of mental health.

20 years ago, mentally healthy workplace strategies were few and far between. Michael O’Hanlon of MOH Advisory and former Workplace Engagement Manager of Beyond Blue, recently reminded our Mental Health Working Group of just how far industry and community attitudes have progressed. Having played a key role in the development of Beyond Blue’s National Workplace Program, Michael has seen firsthand the impact that education has had on reducing stigma in the workplace and the community at large. Australia Assists deployee Viliami is supporting Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office to build resilience against cyclones, floods and other hazards.

Three years ago, Consult Australia launched our mental health initiative, pioneered by our former President, Gerry Doyle, and Consult Australia’s Chief Executive, Nicola Grayson. Gerry undertook a roadshow to raise awareness on mental illness and the importance of mentally healthy workplaces amongst members. This inspired our member businesses to share insights into their workplace mental health strategies through our Mental Health Knowledge Hub.

This led to the launch of our thought leadership paper, Striving for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, developed by our Mental Health Working Group. The report showcases the work our member firms have done to create a work environment that builds the confidence and acceptance of employees seeking help by removing perceived barriers and simply being open about mental health. The report aims to continue our sector’s journey to creating mentally healthy workplaces.

Fast forward to 2021 and we have many achievements to celebrate. Navigating global pandemics, pipeline pressures, and resource constraints, our members have continued to prioritise our mental health initiative, because they genuinely believe that by making it easier for staff to address mental health concerns in the workplace, they can have a significant impact on the livelihood of their employees. Together, we have developed a myriad of practical guides for our members such as Top five tips for SMEs on creating a mentally healthier work environment, The link between physical health and mental health, Supporting the mental health of managers, and Mental health conversations in the workplace.

We have established an End of Year Tender Deadlines Campaign which we piloted in Queensland and have now expanded across Australia. The campaign calls on agencies to implement a black-out period across Christmas and New Year and is underpinned by our recognition that to build a mentally healthy and sustainable industry, those we represent need to have a well-deserved and uninterrupted rest over the end-of-year holiday period.

Additionally, we have tackled stigma head on, and are proud of the vulnerability and courage demonstrated by our members as they openly discuss their own mental health struggles in pursuit of supporting others to come forward for assistance. Our Mental Health Ambassadors, David, Gerry, and Arthur, recently spoke about their own experiences with mental health challenges or those they have witnessed in people close to them, demonstrating how leaders can de-stigmatise mental illness and encourage mental health conversations. The success of our mental health initiative is due to the passion and persistence of our Mental Health Working Group and Mental Health Ambassador Network. Our Mental Health Working Group brings together Human Resources, Work, Health and Safety, and other professionals with a passion for developing mentally healthy workplace strategies and resources. Our Mental Health Ambassador Network consists of senior leaders dedicated to improving the mental health of professionals working within firms that provide design, advisory, and engineering services for the built and natural environment

Thank you to our members for your ongoing commitment to supporting mental health in the workplace and look forward to expanding our reach in 2022.

Teone Tobin

Policy Analyst - Consult Australia