Your how-to: Creating simple workplace mental health awareness materials
Creating simple workplace mental health awareness materials refers to the development and distribution of easy-to-understand mental health awareness materials within your organisation. This includes but is not limited to pamphlets, brochures, posters, digital messages and newsletters, which carry essential information about mental health. It's an important initiative for businesses, as it educates employees about various aspects of mental health, reducing stigma and promoting dialogue about related issues.
In the Australian business context, these materials must align with the Australian Human Rights Commission's guidelines on providing a workplace free from discrimination, while promoting the mental wellbeing of all staff. This initiative ultimately fosters a healthier, more productive, and happier workforce by promoting a better understanding and awareness of mental health at the workplace.
Step by step instructions
Identification of Mental Health Issues: Start by identifying the common mental health issues that you wish to address in your workplace. These could include stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, among others.
Research your Audience: Understand the demographics and interests of your staff in order to tailor your materials. This step is crucial as employees are more likely to engage with materials that they can relate to.
Fact-Checking and Review: Ensure that the information that you are conveying is accurate. Never spread misinformation or misinterpret important details. Arrange a review by a mental health professional if possible.
Inclusion of Resources and Support: Where appropriate, include a list of local mental health resources available to employees, such as local health clinics, or counselors.
Understanding the Legal Framework: Familiarise yourself with the Australian Human Rights Commission guidelines to ensure any materials you produce are in compliance with the law. This ensures your content promotes a work environment free from discrimination and stigma.
Drafting the Content: Use simple and direct language in your materials to ensure clarity and understanding. Avoid using any medical or specialised jargon.
Designing the Materials: Choose a clear and straightforward design for your materials. The design should aid comprehension and must not distract from the information provided.
Distribution and Communication: Distribute the materials across your organisation and use various means - placing print materials in common areas, sending digital copies by email, posting on company’s internal platforms, etc.
Use this template to implement
To ensure you can execute seamlessly, download the implementation template.
Pitfalls to avoid
One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid is overlooking the sensitivity of the subject. Mental health is a personal and sensitive topic for many, and any materials made should respect this. Avoid using language that may stigmatise or make people feel uncomfortable. Make sure your words show understanding and empathy.
Ensure you are aware of what is legally acceptable in your country. In Australia, for instance, you should be aligned with the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, avoiding any discrimination or harassment related to mental health.
Don’t fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations. It's important to understand that mental health awareness isn't about fixing all problems right away. It is about fostering an environment of understanding, acceptance, and ongoing support.
While it is important to be informative, avoid overwhelming your employees with too much information at once. Complex psychological terms or comprehensive details about every mental illness might become off-putting or confusing. Instead, aim to keep your materials clear, straightforward and relevant to the workplace.
Avoid creating dry, clinical material that may fail to engage your audience. The best materials are the ones that foster interaction and discussion. Phrase the content in a way that encourages dialogue, evokes empathy and promotes understanding.
The messaging in all your materials should be consistent. Inconsistent information can be confusing, discrediting your work and with potential to harm your employees' trust.