Business leaders have been empowered to foster mentally healthy workplaces, support their staff and connect with emerging talent through the inaugural Local Leaders Lunch series, which concluded today.
Over three sessions, representatives from around 120 organisations were given an overview of mental health in the workplace, provided with resources around mental health and leadership, heard real-world case studies on the benefits of a mentally healthy workplace for staff retention, received advice on supporting young workers, and were given information on services available for their business.
The Local Leaders Lunch series is an initiative of Rockhampton Regional Council's lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, and is delivered in partnership with the Institute of Managers and Leaders and headspace Rockhampton.
Queensland Government data has found absenteeism is 3 times higher in workplaces perceived as 'mentally unhealthy', while almost 52% of employees who leave their position cite poor leadership or emotional exhaustion. The Productivity Commission estimates absenteeism and presenteeism cost Australian workplaces up to $17 billion annually. These can cause a significant impact on the overall success of a business and take a personal toll on staff.
By tackling one of the major factors in workforce turnover, the engagements align with Advance Rockhampton's objectives of increasing business innovation, collaboration and readiness as well as bolstering the region's workforce capability.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 support.
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams
"Mental health may not be the first thing a business owner considers when looking to improve their business but data shows a clear link between happy workers and retention of workers.
"Council's economic development arm, Advance Rockhampton, has taken a bold and innovative approach to building a strong future workforce for our Region by delivering this series of engagements which have been exceptionally well received by our business community.
"Those businesses which participated now have resources and information to support their staff and put procedures in place to reduce turnover and develop local talent."
Quotes attributable to Institute of Managers and Leaders General Manager – Learning, Development and Membership, Scott Martin CPMgr FIML
"As the largest membership community of managers and leaders across ANZ, IML has spent almost 85 years dedicated to creating better managers and leaders for a better society.
We are proud to have partnered with Advance Rockhampton and headspace on this series to equip local leaders with the tools, resources, and ideas to empower their teams.
By creating open communication, psychological safety, and genuine care for employee wellbeing, leaders can cultivate resilience, build meaningful connections, and take their leadership to the next level."
Quotes attributable to headspace Rockhampton Youth Engagement and Education Officer, Cherry Medlin
"We know one in two people will experience a mental health issue before they're 25, which is why we've had a real focus on supporting young people through the Local Leaders Lunch.
"By having leaders in our community come together through these sessions, we can create real change in workplaces across Rockhampton
"Whether it's team check-ins, EAP programs or flexible working, there are so many simple steps workplaces can take to create a supportive environment where every person and business can thrive."
