Creating conversations that matter–5 essential hacks to create a mentally healthy workplace

Mentally healthy workplaces do more than just reduce psychological injuries, absences and turnover, they have the ability to increase engagement and performance, and have higher levels of productivity.

In this article we share 5 top hacks, that you can implement today, which will set you and your team up for improved mental health and wellbeing.

1. Connect with your employees. Getting to know your colleagues and forming meaningful relationships is fundamental to creating mentally healthy workplaces. Take the time to meet with colleagues individually and at a team level to talk about things that matter in their lives right now. Here's a great resource to help you check-in on your employees' wellbeing .
2. Show compassion. As a leader sometimes showing compassion gets dismissed as too 'touchy-feely' for the workplace—that it's not something a leader should be responsible for. However, showing an interest in the wellbeing and potential of others is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader to create psychological safety and reap the benefits.
3. Manage your own energy and that of your team. Supervisors can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those they lead. As a team leader, one of the things you are valued for is your ability to manage team members. To create a mentally healthy workplace, the first person you need to manage is yourself, including your emotions, behaviour, resilience and energy.
4. Create a sense of belonging and inclusion. If people in your team feel socially isolated, treated like an outsider, or feel left out, not only will they not be able think at their best, but their physical and mental health will suffer too. When it comes to creating a sense of connection and belonging, small moments can make a big difference.
5. Be mindful and provide support. When it comes to mentally healthy workplaces, they all do different things. What they have in common is how people feel—safe, included, belong, inspired, valued, respected and the list goes on. It's worth thinking about how your actions, words, and interactions are contributing to your workplace.

Remember, it's starting the conversation that matters.

If you are a Queensland public sector leader and want to learn more about creating mentally healthy workplaces, why not complete the Everyday conversations for healthy minds program.

Developed by the Public Service Commission in partnership with QUTex, the free online program will help Queensland public sector leaders develop the skills needed to create safe, mentally healthy workplaces through their everyday interactions with colleagues. These skills do not qualify you to diagnose or treat a mental health disorder—they give you the skills to support the people around you to thrive, be well and be their best.

The program aligns to the Leadership competencies for Queensland and the sector's approach to creating mentally healthy workplaces. It also seeks to expand on the Everyday coaching skills for better conversations program.

So, are you ready to understand how your skills can support mentally healthy workplaces?

Complete the program now!