New mental health training programs for managers

The Black Dog Institute has launched two new mental health training programs for leaders in the workplace. The evidence-informed programs have been introduced to address the impact of mental ill-health on the economy, which costs Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year due to lost participation and productivity. Research shows that management capability is one of the most influential contributors to improving mental health outcomes for employees.

Pamela Withey, clinical psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute, said investing in mental health is an essential part of business that will lead to better productivity and outcomes for individuals and organisations. “Mentally healthy workplaces have increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and more engaged staff,” Withey said.

The Institute’s research shows that manager mental health training results in improved knowledge, confidence and management of mental health at work, generating a $10 return on investment for every dollar spent on training. The interactive training workshops were developed in line with the National Mental Health Commission’s Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, to build leadership skills around the core principles of creating environments that protect and promote mental health at work.

The first program, titled ‘Protecting and Promoting Mental Health at Work’, provides senior and team leaders with practical strategies to help prevent mental health issues from developing in the workplace. The second program, ‘Managing for Team Wellbeing: Navigating Conversations’, provides a deeper look into how leaders can have constructive conversations with employees around mental health concerns and how to be more effective in performance management.

The training programs are a new addition to the Institute’s range of training which includes interactive workshops, eLearning and presentations, designed for employees and leaders. With customisable options, training is relevant for businesses of all sizes and industries, and can be completed in less than four hours.

“Leaders have a work health and safety responsibility to provide a psychologically safe workplace. The Black Dog Institute’s mental health training provides practical strategies to minimise risks to mental health, support staff who are experiencing challenges, and promote wellbeing,” Withey said.

All workplace training programs delivered by the Institute are evaluated to measure the impact of a mentally healthy workplace. Following training, the Institute’s results show that 75% of managers have taken action to prevent or minimise risks to mental health in the workplace; 83% of managers have initiated conversations with staff about wellbeing; and within three months of training, 86% of participants had implemented at least one workplace wellbeing strategy.

Supported by a team of experts, workplaces receive an appointed Engagement Manager who works collaboratively to identify solutions most suited to their needs and helps them get the most out of their training.

For more information about workplace mental health training, click here.

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