Victorian workplaces can expect to see greater momentum in the efforts towards safeguarding and enhancing workforce mental health, according to a recent announcement from WorkSafe Victoria. A media release stated that the programs launched in its Mental Health Improvement Fund fund triggered the first round of funding in its WorkWell program.

The Mental Health Improvement Fund offers large-scale investment to organisations and industry groups to promote mental health and well-being, and prevent mental injury.

Since the launch of WorkSafe Victoria back in 2017, the WorkWell program has reportedly achieved “extensive engagement,” with more than 12,400 workplaces and 55,900 individual participants. WorkSafe believes that its initiatives can potentially reach almost three million Victorian workers.

In fact, a recent WorkWell report revealed that participating businesses have experienced “favourable outcomes,” such as reduced absenteeism, increased likelihood of staff retention and increased job performance.

Commenting on the program, WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said, "Across the WorkWell program, we're seeing positive trends among employers for improving knowledge, attitudes and confidence in identifying and addressing mental health issues; and practice changes in leaders, networks and workplaces.”

"Working in partnership with industry means we're creating industry-wide, sustainable change to address the work-related factors that contribute to stress at work."

The first round of funded programs are aimed at supporting vulnerable worker groups like young and ageing workers, frontline workers, and transitioning industries, added Beer.

One of the recently funded projects is the ‘Mental Health Essentials Program’ which offers free mental health training and consulting to assist small and medium-sized businesses to support the mental health of young workers.

Another project, ‘Perinatal Workplace Wellbeing Program’, supports expectant and new parents adjusting to new work-life stages.

Beer said that this is just the start, and another 20 programs funded through second and third round grants are already underway. WorkSafe will leverage evidence from across the WorkWell program to build a blueprint for mentally healthy Victorian workplaces.