Mental Health First Aid Guidelines
Mental health problems are common in the workplace and the symptoms can affect performance, e.g. due to problems with concentration, memory, decision-making and motivation. While some people with mental health problems manage their symptoms without impact on their work performance, others may require short-term or ongoing workplace supports. Most people with mental health problems who receive treatment respond with improved work performance. Investing time and support to retain an experienced and skilled employee with a mental health problem is usually more cost-effective than recruiting and training a new person.
Guidelines for workplace prevention of mental health probelms
These guidelines consist of actions organisations can take to prevent common mental health problems in the workplace. It is hoped that they will be used to improve the practices of organisations as they work to reduce the risk of job stress and mental health problems in the workplace. The guidelines are intended to complement existing legislative requirements for occupational health and safety and the prevention and management of discrimination and harassment. They were produced using the Delphi method, which is a systematic way of assessing the consensus of a panel of experts. The actions included in the guidelines have been rated as important or essential by expert panels of employers, mental health professionals and employees with experience of mental health problems.
Returning to work after mental illness
These guidelines consist of actions organisations can take to facilitate return to work for employees following an episode of depression, anxiety or a related disorder. They were produced using the Delphi method, which is a systematic way of assessing the consensus of a panel of experts. The actions have been rated as important or essential by expert panels of consumers, employers and health professionals. It is hoped that the guidelines will be used to improve the practices of organisations as they support those returning to work after mental health problems.