The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is striving to ensure its small business members are aware and committed to mentally healthy workplace practices and cultures across all of its many automotive divisions.
ADA Australia has recently completed a project working with VACC, the Fine Tuning Automotive Mental Health (FTAMH) Program, funded through Worksafe Victoria’s Workwell initiative. This program being to equip business owners with information and guidance to assist them to establish and maintain supportive and mentally healthy workplaces.
Besides our involvement with the FTAMH program, ADA Australia also conducts a monthly visit to VACC House to talk to new VACC Apprentices as a part of their induction program.
The purpose of these talks is to raise awareness around pressures these younger workers will encounter – at work and after hours. Adapting to the expectations of work, particularly in the trades, can be tough. But equipping younger workers with awareness around drugs and alcohol, and awareness of their mental health and stresses at work can assist them to remain work-ready, motivated and resilient.
How mentally healthy is your workplace?
A mentally healthy workplace. It’s a label that every organisation would love to have, but how many workplaces will pass the test?
The answer…not enough.
Statistics show that nearly half (48%) of Australian workers believe their workplace is mentally unhealthy, and 44% do not believe that “their most senior leader values mental health”. (See ADA’s The Little Blue Book of MENTAL HEALTH pp. 30)
What, then, does it take to create and maintain a mentally healthy workplace?
Well, for starters, it’s a workplace that takes pride in protecting the mental well-being of its people – one that encourages safe work practices through education and training, that thrives on respect and good relationships, and fosters an alert and supportive workplace culture.
It ensures that all at the workplace feel safe, are treated fairly, have their contributions respected, and feel supported and fulfilled in their roles.
It's not hard. Training your managers and people leaders is a logical place to start. An ADA Australia People Leader Training Program for your workplace can be the first step to ensuring that your workplace passes the test.
If you’d like to learn more about this program, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429 or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au
Additionally, If you’d like to learn more about the FTAMH program, funded by WorkSafe’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, visit the following link: https://www.workwell.vic.gov.au/fine-tuning-automotive-mental-health
And if any of this information has raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.