In October, we're launching mental health training for small business. Discussions around the importance of good mental health are all around us. Today, conversations around mental health starts as early as kindergarten where children learn about mindfulness and being kind to themselves. For more and more young people, mental health discussions come with little stigma, it's a natural topic to talk about for them.
It hasn't always been this way. With more focus on mental health in the workplace, many small business owners and managers feel a bit out of depth. The State Government is introducing legislation around occupational health and safety regulations for psychological health. When introduced, these regulations will recognise hazards that pose a risk to psychological health in the workplace.
Talking about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace should be part of everyday workplace conversations. But if you have limited training on the topic, where and how do you start?
That's where our new mental health workshops for small business come in. Together with local organisation Speak & Share, we've developed a workshop and online resources to help you feel confident when discussing mental health with your team.
A mentally healthy workplace is beneficial for both businesses and their employees:
- increased productivity and job satisfaction
- more engagement and better energy in the workplace
- less sick leave
- improved overall employee health.
Workshops will run in October, world mental health awareness month. 50 free tickets are available per session, limited to one participant per business.
- Rye Hotel, 16 October, 3pm – 5pm
- The Rumbl, 18 October, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
- Sanctuary Inn, 24 October, 9am – 11am
- Jetty Road Brewery, 26 October, 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Tickets are available now. Book your tickets at: mpbusiness.com.au/wellbeing
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
"Employers are facing challenges such as workloads, new consumer expectations, supporting their employees' wellbeing, financial demands and global uncertainties.
"In addition to this, local businesses experience challenges of high seasonality, staff shortages and exclusion from regional funding.
"By embracing wellbeing as a core business function, businesses will enjoy numerous benefits, including increased productivity, heightened employee engagement and improved overall employee health."
Quotes attributable to Councillor Anthony Marsh, Council's Small Business Champion:
"Workshops will run in October, world mental health awareness month. To support participants, we've also developed a mental health and wellbeing tool kit that includes templates, guides, and resources. These are available on our website."
Mornington Peninsula Shire has secured a $15,000 business grant through Business Victoria to develop and run this workplace mental health & wellbeing program for small businesses.
