Mental Health and Well Being Policy

Purpose

This policy aims to foster a safe, supportive, and healthy work environment, addressing health and wellbeing. We are committed to reducing factors that may harm employees’ mental health, promoting positive workplace practices, and providing timely support and interventions for mental health concerns.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees at every level of the organisation, including full-time, part-time, fixed-term workers, and contractors where applicable.

Policy Statements

We are committed to implementing both preventative and responsive measures to reduce factors that may harm employees’ mental health, promoting positive workplace practices, and providing timely support and interventions.

1. Reduction of Harmful Aspects and Impacts of Work
   1. We actively identify and mitigate factors that may negatively affect employees’ mental health, including:
      • Managing Overtime: Implementing policies to limit excessive overtime and encouraging work-life balance.
      • Night Work Management: Ensuring that night shifts are rotated to prevent long-term negative effects on employees’ health.
      • Workload Assessment: Conducting regular reviews to ensure that workloads are reasonable and manageable, preventing burnout.
2. Promotion of Positive Aspects and Impacts of Work
   1. We create and maintain a positive working environment that contributes to employees’ mental health, including:
      • Clear Reporting Lines: Ensuring that all employees have clear communication channels and understand their roles, responsibilities, and whom to reach out to for support.
      • Open Door Policy: Encouraging an environment of psychological safety where employees feel safe to raise concerns, ask questions, or provide suggestions without fear of retaliation.
      • Mentoring and Peer Support: Developing mentoring programs and peer groups to foster personal and professional growth, enhance resilience, and create a sense of belonging.
3. Early Identification, Intervention, and Support
   1. We provide resources and support systems to address mental health issues at the earliest possible stage, including:
      • Mental Health Training: Offering training for managers and employees on recognizing the signs of mental health issues and how to provide initial support.
      • Access to Counselling Services: Providing access to confidential counselling services and support.
      • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): For employees needing professional support.
      • Regular Wellbeing Check-ins: Implementing regular check-ins between managers and employees to ensure ongoing communication regarding mental health and work satisfaction.
      • Stress Management Programs: Organizing workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and other relevant practices to equip employees with tools to maintain their wellbeing.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Management:
   1. Lead by example in prioritizing mental health and wellbeing.
   2. Ensure that this policy is communicated and implemented across all teams.
   3. Regularly review workloads and practices to align with mental health objectives.
2. Employees:
   1. Take responsibility for their own mental health and wellbeing.
   2. Participate in training, support programs, and other initiatives.
   3. Communicate openly with supervisors or HR regarding any mental health concerns.
3. Human Resources (HR):
   1. Provide resources and training to support the policy.
   2. Maintain confidentiality in all mental health-related matters.
   3. Continuously review and improve the effectiveness of this policy.

Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Feedback from employees and management will be actively encouraged throughout the year and considered when making any necessary adjustments.