MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council will launch mental health training for small businesses next month.
Together with Mornington Peninsula organisation Speak & Share the council has developed mental health workshops for small businesses with a $15000 grant from Business Victoria.
The mayor Cr Steve Holland said discussions around the importance of good mental started as early as kindergarten, and for young people mental health discussions came with little stigma because it was a natural topic to talk about for them.
Holland said the state government was introducing legislation around occupational health and safety regulations in a bid to recognise hazards that posed a risk to psychological health in the workplace.
“Employers are facing challenges such as workloads, new consumer expectations, supporting their employees’ wellbeing, financial demands and global uncertainties,” he said.
“In addition to this, local businesses experience challenges of high seasonality, staff shortages and exclusion from regional funding.
“By embracing wellbeing as a core business function, businesses will enjoy numerous benefits, including increased productivity, heightened employee engagement and improved overall employee health.”
Holland said talking about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace should be part of everyday workplace conversations.
Cr Anthony Marsh, council’s “small business champion”, said the council had also developed a mental health and wellbeing tool kit that included templates, guides and resources.
A mentally healthy workplace was beneficial for businesses and employees, could increase productivity and job satisfaction, lead to more engagement in the workplace, less sick leave and improved overall employee health.
Fifty free tickets are available for each workshop session, limited to one participant a business.
Workshops will run in October, world mental health awareness month: Rye Hotel, 16 October, 3pm – 5pm; The Rumbl, Watt Road, Mornington, 18 October, 5.30pm – 7.30pm; Sanctuary Inn, Marine Parade, Hastings, 24 October, 9am – 11am; Jetty Road Brewery, Brasser Road, Dromana, 26 October, 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Booking can be made at: mpbusiness.com.au/wellbeing
