1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people and roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help. Mental illness has become the leading cause of long-term sickness absence and costs Australian businesses $39 billion per year. Depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders are the most common mental health conditions seen in the workplace. Although these conditions are treatable and often preventable, they can also cause prolonged sickness absence, and impact on the well-being and occupational functioning of those affected (Harvey et al., 2014). 

A mentally healthy workforce is the foundation to a successful business. Business leaders play a key role in driving policies, strategies, and behaviours that promote positive mental health and wellbeing, with benefits extending across the whole business from an individual to organisational level. 

Black Dog Institute is a world-renowned medical research institute, translating research into programs, resources, services, and digital tools to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. This presentation will discuss key strategies for a creating mentally healthy workplace, highlighting the Black Dog Institute’s leading evidence-based programs and free resources available to build skills and provide support to your workplace.