WorkHealth program tackles mental health

Employers will be empowered to make mental health a priority in the workplace with the introduction of a new WorkHealth program.

The $50 million program includes a free, interactive online platform for businesses to access the latest advice, research and support on workplace mental health and wellbeing.

It also allows employers to conduct a mental health check on their business, employ specially tailored support programs and link like-minded businesses together.

“Employers tell us mental health support can be confusing to navigate,” said Minister for Finance Robin Scott.

“WorkHealth will be able to deliver the right tools and advice straight into their hands.”

WorkHealth also includes a $17 million innovation fund to kickstart new initiatives and expand existing workplace mental health and wellbeing programs.

The program was launched at the Arts Centre Melbourne, which currently leads the Arts Wellbeing Collective.

This group suffers high levels of depression and twice the number of suicide attempts as the general population.

Mental health continues to be a significant concern in the community, with WorkSafe Victoria recording more than 3100 mental disorder claims last year, or about 12% of total claims.

WorkSafe will fund and manage the five-year WorkHealth program, with the assistance of the Department of Health and Human Services.

WorkHealth — which was developed by a special advisory group including government, business and union representatives — is set to go live early next year to coincide with a major public awareness campaign. Visit workhealth.vic.gov.au for further details.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/William Burlingham