Worker tools and resources
As a worker, it’s important that your workplace is flexible, supportive and productive – a place where you feel safe, valued and engaged. We spend, on average, about one-third of our life at work1, so it makes sense that it can have a big impact on our mental health.
There are simple things you can do to help create a positive work environment, stay mentally fit at work and support your colleagues.
Tools and resources
Here are tools and resources to get you started.
Improve your knowledge of mental health at work
Improving your knowledge of mental health at work can boost your confidence and skills to stay mentally fit, recognise early signs of mental ill-health, be supportive and connect to support when you or someone you know needs it.
- Learn what workplace factors can impact your workers' mental health and steps you can take to prevent them.
- Educate yourself about mental health.
- Find out what mental health training and resources are available.
Read on for resources to help you stay well at work.
Support yourself and others
Learn how to support yourself and others to be your best every day at work and what support services and tools are available:
- Complete a confidential online mental health 'check up' on the Ahead for business website.
- Check on your physical health with a confidential online brief health check from Get healthy at work.
- Learn about looking after your mental health from Heads Up and about the 5 ways to wellbeing from SuperFriend.
- Get tips on how to have a conversation with someone you are worried about from Heads Up or R U OK?
- Find support services in your area.
- Use resources and eHealth tools to stay mentally fit at work.
- If you are experiencing mental ill-health or illness, check out these resources to help you recover at work.
Create a positive culture
Contribute to creating a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued, included, safe and that it is ok to ask for support.
Find out how to create a positive and inclusive culture.
Mental health is extremely important for all workers. This two part short video series will assist businesses in building a psychologically healthy and safe workplace using the SafeWork Australia guide: Work-related psychological health and safety: A systematic approach to meeting your duties.
These webinars are for information only and are not eligible for the Small business rebate.
After something more specific?
Below are more tools and resources to assist.
Tailored tools for workers
- Find out how to look after yourself during periods of organisational change with these tips from the Leading Well Vic website.
- Are you caring for someone with a serious mental or physical illness? This can impact your mental health - find out what support resources and support are available for you from Carers NSW and Mental Health Carers NSW.
- Are you experiencing domestic violence? Find out what information and support services can help.
- Are you struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? Access these services and resources that can help.
- If you are challenged by problem gambling - get help with these services and resources.
Mental health services and resources to support multicultural and indigenous workers
- Check out the Mental health in Multicultural Australia resources.
- Access indigenous mental health resources from Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and the Rural and Remote Mental Health websites.
Young workers
- Are you a young worker? Use this toolkit to stay healthy and safe at work.
- Check out ReachOUT and Headspace for resources and tools tailored for young people.
- YCENTRAL is a free, one-stop shop, for young people 12 to 25 years which provides early intervention, offering access to a range of health service providers for the youth on the NSW Central Coast. It also has specific resources for indigenous youth.
- Youth beyondblue - Can provide information about anxiety, depression and suicide to young people in Australia aged 12–25 years.
- Check in app is for anyone who wants to check in with a friend but is concerned about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse.
- Phone: 1300 22 4635
- Online forums
- Chat online (3pm to 12am (AEST) every day)
- Lifeline is national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline Service Finder - is a directory of free or low cost health and community services available in Australia. Phone (crisis number): 13 11 14 Phone (enquiries): 6215 9400 .
Bullying
Are you experiencing bullying at work? Here is a guide from Safe Work Australia to assist you in what steps to take.
Industry & region specific resources
- Are you in the construction sector and interested in mental health training or setting up a peer support program? Check out Mates in Construction.
- Is your workplace based in a rural, regional or remote area? Check out the Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health and the Rural and Remote Mental Health websites for resources tailored just for you.
Legal obligations
Find out about meeting your legal obligations.
- PWC & Medibank, Workplace wellness in Australia, 2010