Black Dog Institute partners with the NSW Government to deliver free workplace training to increase mental wellbeing

Funded by the NSW Government, as part of their Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy 2018-2022, the SafeWork NSW program will see the Black Dog Institute deliver training to managers in the manufacturing sector – namely plants, factories and mills - to increase mental wellbeing in work environments across the New South Wales region.

The move was prompted by the revelation that mental health conditions are Australia’s leading cause of long-term work absence and professional incapacity, equating to a loss of $11 billion to Australian businesses each year.

The free training will assist managers to develop the relevant knowledge and skills needed to support their teams, equip them to recognise early signs of mental health conditions among staff and respond appropriately.

“There are three key risk factors that contribute to poor workplace mental health, including occupational uncertainty; lack of value and respect; and an imbalance in job design,” said Associate Professor Samuel Harvey, Head of the Workplace Mental Health Research Program at the Black Dog Institute.

A recently conducted randomised controlled trial of managers who participated in the Black Dog Institute manager training showed significant benefits.

“Over a six-month period, managers who attended our workshop showed measurable improvements in behaviour and confidence in dealing with at-risk staff, and their employees had reduced levels of sickness absence. There was also a demonstrated return on investment of $10 for every $1 spent on training,” said Associate Professor Harvey.

The full results of the trial were published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the NSW Government is thrilled to partner with the Black Dog Institute as part of the Mentally Healthy Workplaces strategy.

“The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in mental health research. It has a proven track record of developing tailored training that creates and maintains mentally healthy environments,” Mr Kean said.

“No matter what industry you’re in, people are your greatest asset. The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy is all about supporting people at work and helping them get back to work when they’re ready.”

The free training for medium-sized organisations of 20-199 employees will be provided by the Black Dog Institute in the Sydney metro, Gosford and Wyong areas.

To find out more information or to register your organisation for one of the Black Dog Institute’s free training sessions, visit the SafeWork website: www.mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au