Next month, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will launch mental health training programs designed specifically for small businesses. Developed in collaboration with the local organization Speak & Share, these workshops have received a $15,000 grant from Business Victoria.
Mayor Cr Steve Holland emphasized the importance of promoting mental health from an early age and highlighted that mental health discussions hold little stigma for young people, as it is a natural topic for them to discuss. He also noted that the state government is introducing legislation regarding occupational health and safety regulations to recognize hazards that pose a risk to psychological health in the workplace.
Employers face numerous challenges, including managing workloads, meeting new consumer expectations, supporting employee well-being, addressing financial demands, and dealing with global uncertainties. Local businesses on the Mornington Peninsula also contend with challenges such as high seasonality, staff shortages, and exclusion from regional funding.
Cr Holland stressed that by prioritizing well-being as a fundamental aspect of business operations, companies can enjoy multiple benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced employee engagement, and overall improvements in employee health.
He further emphasized that conversations about mental health and well-being in the workplace should be part of everyday discussions.
Cr Anthony Marsh, the council’s “small business champion,” mentioned that the council has developed a mental health and well-being toolkit, which includes templates, guides, and resources to support businesses in this endeavor.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace benefits both businesses and employees, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction, higher workplace engagement, reduced sick leave, and improved overall employee health.
The workshops are set to run in October, coinciding with World Mental Health Awareness Month. They will take place at various locations, including Rye Hotel on October 16, The Rumbl in Mornington on October 18, Sanctuary Inn in Hastings on October 24, and Jetty Road Brewery in Dromana on October 26. Fifty free tickets are available for each workshop session, with a limit of one participant per business.
