Author: Selma Tron
Founder of WorkWise Consultancy
In September 2021, the National Mental Health Commission unveiled the Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces as part of the National Workplace Initiative. This Blueprint emphasises that employees often bring personal challenges—such as grief, financial pressures, and interpersonal conflicts—into the workplace. Recognizing this holistic view of individuals is crucial; it encourages a supportive environment where personal and professional identities are integrated rather than compartmentalised.
Unfortunately, many individuals experience bullying, harassment, unreasonable demands, and excessive supervision at work, all of which can significantly impact their mental well-being. The Blueprint states that individuals perform best in environments that prioritise healthy cultures and practices, which not only protect them during challenging times but also support recovery from mental health issues and provide growth opportunities. By focusing on these elements, workplaces can enhance employee engagement, foster loyalty, and reduce incidents of illness and absenteeism. The Initiative ultimately aims to assist organizations in attracting and retaining skilled and talented employees.
Foundations of Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Three Key Pillars
Protect: Identify and manage work-related risks to mental health.
Respond: Build the capability to identify and support individuals experiencing mental ill health or distress.
Promote: Recognise and enhance the positive aspects of work that contribute to good mental health.
At WorkWise Consultancy (WWC), we implement strategies to help workplaces strengthen these three fundamental pillars. Our qualitative surveys are designed to identify work-related mental health risks, enabling organizations to make positive changes through engaging and interactive workshops for both leaders and employees.
For more information about our workshops and coaching sessions, or to learn more about the Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, please feel free to contact us.
