[Case Study] SafeMinds: Transforming Workplace Mental Health

Objective of the Service:

The intervention took place in a manufacturing plant in NSW in which the plant manager had expressed a clear interest to reduce the mental health injuries and improve the awareness of mental health in the workplace.  

In 83% of mental health claims, an initial assessment of incident reports revealed that warning signs were evident prior to the claim even being submitted. 

The intervention was initially introduced to one area of the factory that had the most past injuries. 

The Work:

Step 1: All employees were informed of the intervention, the rationale behind it and the goals. A SafeMinds initial assessment was conducted to ascertain past interventions, get input from employees and identify training needs. A survey was initiated to get a base line staff mental health measure.

Step 2: A project team was created primarily of volunteer employees and manager and project leader. Recovery Partners facilitated consultation that determined what would have prevented the reported mental health incidents. If it was not obvious, Recovery Partners would suggest how increasing situational awareness might have affected the situation. The result is the identification of critical safe behaviours.  In this case it was line manager competency to identify the signs.

Step 3: The project team identified fundamental mental health values (such as teamwork and employee empowerment) and proceeded to outline specific practices and behaviors that align with these values. In this context, managers were uncertain about what to say or do. The goal was to raise awareness among managers about the available support systems provided by the employer and the community.

Step 4: SafeMinds program was developed on the key values and practices to educate employees and managers. In addition, a checklist was developed to help all staff and managers observe and measure good behaviours to ensure a consistent and constant approach.

Step 5: The success of the SafeMinds program is because it builds on the key principles learnt previously. The four-module program included;

• Mental Health Awareness: Recognising the signs
• Mental Health Awareness: How to ask if someone is ok
• Mental Health Awareness: Supports available and individuals’ stories
• Mental Health Awareness: Manager skills and providing feedback

The Result:

Evaluation of the program with a final survey of staff mental health resulted in a 10% increase in staff awareness of the organisation’s mental health support. There was also a clear reduction of psychological incidents over the corresponding period. 

“Recovery Partners offers a high calibre service delivery team who understands the service delivery context and is committed to service delivery excellence.”