How to protect your mental health at work
Our work environment is often determined by other people. And every workplace is different. For example, support or flexibility options may depend on your industry, business size, or role.
These are ways to protect your mental health and wellbeing.
Find support
Some employers have a service to help workers with issues affecting their mental health.
This is sometimes called an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP is usually free of charge to employees. It can provide confidential, short-term counselling as well as referrals to follow-up services.
If you don’t have an EAP but are concerned about your mental health, visiting your GP can be a good place to start. We can also help you find other support that’s right for you. This could include talking to our counsellors or helping you
find a mental health professional near you.
Get mental health support
Prioritise your wellbeing
Good wellbeing is about finding a balance in all aspects of your life that works for you. It's about your whole person: physical, mental, social and emotional.
Learn ways to look after your mental health at work. This could include creating a workplace wellbeing plan.
There are also things you can do to support your wellbeing more generally.
Cut extra hours
While leaving work on time isn’t always possible, try to limit the amount of overtime you do.
If working extra hours becomes the norm rather than the exception, or you need more flexibility, check in with your manager or another contact. Such as someone in your human resources team, a Health and Safety Representative or a union representative.
For information about fair work practices, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website
Take breaks
Whether it’s during the workday or by taking leave, taking breaks when you're able can help manage stress and build wellbeing.
Consider:
- taking the time for a break – many people skip breaks when they feel stressed
- think about how you’ll use your time – perhaps plan healthier food options, get some physical activity or learn about mindfulness and relaxation exercises
- if you have annual leave available, take opportunities to recharge.
Being busy all the time doesn’t always mean you’re getting more done. It can make you less productive and also lead to burnout.
Learn more about burnout and mental health
Leave work at work (make time for fun)
When things get busy, it’s tempting to blur the boundaries between work and our personal life.
Downtime is a must. Good work-life balance means better mental health and wellbeing.
Try to limit the amount of work-related tasks you do outside of work. This includes responding to phone calls, texts and emails.
Enjoying life away from work is a sure-fire way to help you achieve a healthy balance.
Review your boundaries
It's not always easy to say no. Sometimes, you might say yes because it feels good to help others. Or perhaps because you feel like you have no choice.
There will likely be times you find yourself agreeing to do things that have limited benefit and get in the way of important things. Including your health.
If you're having trouble saying no and feeling stressed about it, talk to someone. Whether by contacting your Employee Assistance Program, a doctor or another mental health professional.
Find a mental health professional
Consider flexible working arrangements
Flexible work arrangements can improve your mental health and wellbeing by maintaining a better balance with your daily life.
Flexible work has also been shown to have business benefits, including greater productivity and inclusion.
Visit the Mentally Healthy Workplaces website to learn about flexible work resources created by the Centre of Transformative Work Design.
These resources provide practical tips for people designing flexible work policies. They cover things like performance benefits for workers. And how businesses can make flexibility work.