Workplace Mental Health: Our Responsibility.

‘Being a supportive leader is not just about telling people what to do.’

– Professor Brock Bastian

The impending rollout of Victoria’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act is a timely reminder of our responsibility to create psychologically healthy workplaces.

Yesterday, social psychology expert Professor Brock Bastian explained what that looks like and provided tips on how to look after your own mental health and the mental health of those around you. 

“Being a supportive leader is not just about telling people what to do,” Brock said. “It’s about supporting people to do it well. As a leader, if you are modeling poor mental health workplace behaviour, other people will follow.” 

Brock said a large part of looking after mental health was allowing yourself and colleagues to experience the whole range of thoughts and emotions, whether they be pleasant or not.

“When we don’t like something, we try to get rid of it,” Brock said. “Trying not to think of something doesn’t work. Sometimes it’s appropriate to feel anxious and depressed. 

“Quick sand is a great analogy to how we want to respond to unwanted emotions. Don’t struggle. Establish contact. It’s the best way to diminish that feeling.”

With work environments and demands often contributing to stress, business leaders are accountable for creating safe, mentally healthy workplaces. Employees should be able to raise issues about work, be listened to and have support and resources available to resolve problems. 

“Prevention is much better than cure,” Brock said. “It’s going to be good for business.”