SafeWork NSW has announced it is collaborating with the Department of Customer Service on a new workplace mental health tool designed to give employers tailored actions to improve their workplaces.
Commissioner of NSW Fair Trading and Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann encouraged people to explore the new digital Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool (WWAT).
Ms Mann said that while 80 per cent of NSW workplaces took a reactive or ad-hoc approach to mental health at work, there were economic benefits and health from creating a mentally healthy workplace, including reduced absenteeism and staff turnover.
“This is not just about the mental health of your workers, this is about making the best workplace environment in your workplace both mentally and physically,” Ms Mann said.
“A mentally healthy workplace provides many benefits back into the business, including increased staff engagement and productivity,” she said.
“But despite the benefits, many people in NSW are not aware of the role workplaces play in preventing mental health issues and supporting recovery.”
Ms Mann said the free self-assessment tool helped set up a survey which employers could use to confidentially survey their staff, “with the results informing businesses how to plan and respond to risks and create workplaces where mental health thrives”.
She said WWAT measured and monitored a workplace’s capability by identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
“It also provides actions for the business to take to reduce risks and allows them to compare themselves with others across the State,” the Fair Trading Commissioner said.
“As a free resource, it’s a great investment for any small business to make in looking after the mental health of their workers.”
WWAT can be accessed at this PS News link.
