Creating mentally healthy workplaces: Why conversations matter more than ever

In recent years, mental health has taken a more prominent seat in the boardroom, yet a significant stigma still lingers in workplaces across Australia. Despite rising awareness campaigns and employer-driven initiatives, a startling 44% of Australians remain uncomfortable discussing mental health at work. This statistic, while troubling, presents a clear call to action for businesses to step up and drive genuine cultural change.

The increasing prevalence of stress, burnout and emotional fatigue across industries shows that awareness alone isn’t enough. Many employees continue to struggle in silence, unsure how to speak up or where to seek support. It is this silence that businesses must address, creating environments where mental wellness is prioritised and conversations are encouraged year-round.

On a recent Australia market update, Queensland Managing Director at people2people, Ben Wheeler, sat down with Wesley Vaasile, Co-Founder of the Mental Awareness Foundation, to unpack the challenges and opportunities surrounding mental health in the modern workplace.

"Mental health in the workplace remains one of the most pressing challenges for businesses today."

Wesley Vaasile brought personal experience and professional insight into the conversation, underscoring the urgency of addressing mental well-being not just annually, but regularly and sincerely.

"One of the main issues I see within businesses is that they just don’t talk about it," Wesley said. "There’s a fear that raising mental health topics could backfire, but that silence can cost us more than any awkward conversation ever could."

He pointed out that many organisations miss the mark by failing to allocate even minimal time to discussions around staff wellbeing. According to Wesley, integrating short but meaningful check-ins into routine meetings can make all the difference. In his own trade business, monthly 'toolbox meetings' include time to raise mental health awareness, a simple yet effective tactic.

The importance of leading from the top was also highlighted. Wesley stressed, "Mental health starts from the top down. If you, as the leader, show your team you care, that culture of care filters throughout the entire organisation."

Ben and Wesley both recognised generational shifts in attitudes towards mental health. Younger workers are more open and conscious about emotional well-being compared to older generations, where silence and stoicism were the norm. Encouragingly, this shift represents a turning point for workplace culture, but employers must meet these evolving expectations with action, not just lip service.

Conversations alone won’t solve every issue, but they lay the groundwork for more resilient, supportive teams. Even a simple acknowledgement – checking in with a team member, or reminding staff that help is available – can go a long way. Just showing you care is sometimes all it takes. Wesley offered practical advice for employers uncertain about where to start. "It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can just say to someone, 'Hey, I’m thinking of you. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.' Then leave it at that. It’s about making people feel seen and valued."

Ben echoed these sentiments, noting that emotional awareness and connection should become part of the standard business toolkit, not an afterthought.

Wesley also highlighted the long-term benefits of building trust through consistency. "If your team sees that you’re checking in, not just when something’s wrong, but as part of how you do business, that’s when the real shift happens. People start to open up more, and you create a stronger, more unified culture."

Another key takeaway was the importance of recognising that everyone processes stress differently. Wesley explained, "What one person finds overwhelming might be manageable for someone else. It’s not about comparing experiences; it’s about creating a culture where people feel comfortable saying, 'I’m not okay,' without fear of judgment."

What steps can businesses take to support mental health at work?

To support leaders and managers, Comcare offers straightforward advice for creating mentally healthy environments. Here are several practical steps organisations can implement:

1. Model positive behaviours: Managers should openly prioritise mental health and demonstrate balanced workloads, taking breaks and encouraging staff to do the same.
   
   
2. Foster open communication: Create safe spaces where employees feel comfortable discussing concerns without fear of judgment.
   
   
3. Build team connections: Regular team check-ins, both formal and informal, help reduce isolation and improve morale.
   
   
4. Offer flexible work options: Where possible, allow flexibility in hours or location to support work-life balance.
   
   
5. Provide training and resources: Equip managers with mental health training to recognise signs of distress and respond appropriately.
   
   
6. Encourage early intervention: Promote the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and remind staff they are available and confidential.
   
   
7. Recognise and reward positive behaviours: Celebrate efforts that support wellbeing and foster a culture where self-care is valued.
   
   

Addressing mental health at work doesn’t require grand gestures. Small, consistent actions – especially from leaders – can make a substantial impact. As Wesley so powerfully stated, "Action speaks louder than words. What are you doing to encourage others to speak up?"

In a world where burnout and stress are increasingly common, building a mentally healthy workplace isn't just good leadership – it's an essential business strategy.