Tips for employees

Tips for employees

• 1. Look after yourself

  No matter where you are sitting on the mental health continuum, it is always helpful to work on taking care of yourself and staying well. 

  If you are feeling down, sad, stressed, or are finding it hard to cope, it is important to speak to someone about this. Your GP or an Employee Assistance Program (if your workplace has one) counsellor is a good place to start. You may also want to complete a short checklist to get a better understanding of how you're feeling.

• 2. Develop an understanding of mental health conditions

  It is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that you or a colleague, friend or family member is not coping. Learn what support services are available for yourself or to recommend to others.

  Further reading and resources

  • Beyond Blue Workplace mental health awareness online training resource
  • Download Beyond Blue's Anxiety and depression: An information booklet (PDF, 60pg, 1.9MB)

• 3. Speak openly about mental health in the workplace

  Speaking openly about mental health can encourage your colleagues to do the same and contribute to a working environment where people are comfortable seeking support if they need it. You may even consider sharing your personal experience of anxiety or depression if you have one and feel comfortable doing so.  

• 4. Find ways to reduce your stress

  Feeling stressed is different to experiencing a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety. Prolonged or excessive job stress can have a negative impact on your mental health. Think about what the main sources of your stress might be and what practical steps you can take to reduce them. This may include having a conversation with your manager. 

• 5. Understand what workplace bullying is, and isn't

  It is important to be informed and empowered so you can look after yourself and know what to do if you feel you are being bullied. It can also empower you to look out for others in the workplace.
  
  

  Further reading and resources

  • Dealing with workplace bullying: a worker's guide (PDF, 15pg, 317KB)

• 6. Know your legal rights and responsibilities

  Work health & safety laws protect your right to a safe workplace, but you also have responsibilities under the same legislation. You must take care of yourself and others and cooperate with your employer in matters of health and safety. This applies to all workers, whether they have a disability or not.

  If you're experiencing a mental health condition, you are legally protected against discrimination in the workplace. You also have a right to privacy and are not legally required to tell your employer - unless your condition could endanger you or your colleagues.

• 7. Ask for support from your manager if you need it

  If you are experiencing a mental health condition, telling your manager about it may mean you get the support you need to get and stay well. However, this is a very personal decision that's not right for everyone.

  Find out more about the pros and cons of disclosing and how to have a conversation with your manager.

• 8. Support others in your workplace

  If someone you work with doesn't seem themselves, check in to see if they're OK. Providing this support can make a real difference.

  Everyone benefits from positive workplaces, where people feel confident having conversations with colleagues, and comfortable accepting support. 

  Further reading and resources

  Helping a workmate

• 9. Be a mental health champion

  Participate in your organisations work health and safety and wellbeing initiatives and cooperate with workplace policies and procedures.

  Learn about how you can reduce risks related to mental health in your workplace.

  You can also play a role in encouraging your organisation to be proactive about creating a mentally healthy workplace. To help your senior leaders you could refer them to Developing a workplace mental health strategy: A how-to guide for organisations. It provides a step-by-step process and clear actions that will help your organisation develop and implement a Workplace Mental Health Strategy.

  Once your organisation is ready to go, the Getting Started Pack is a great resource for helping to communicate the plan to all levels of your organisation.