An Integrated Approach to Workplace Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

In this course, Jorgen Gullestrup, founder and ex-CEO of Mates in Construction, emphasises the importance of workplace mental health programs, not only because it’s the law, but also because it is good business for employers to show that they care for their people. Observing the fundamental similarities of three models for a mentally healthier workplace, Gullestrup notes that, in terms of the Hierarchy of Controls, employers have tended to implement workplace mental health policies at the least effective level: that of individual protection against hazards, rather than at the more effective level of finding ways to avoid hazardous processes. Citing a meta-analysis of 41 studies, Gullestrup explains that employers looking to make workplaces healthier often go for training, yet in the meta-analysis, training was the only one of 14 factors that did not achieve significance in terms of reducing psychosocial hazards to mental health. Gullestrup then explores factors that research showed as important, including: setting up programs that consult widely, engaging decision-makers; facilitating early identification and intervention; having transparency and clear lines of accountability; having solid return-to or stay-at-work policies; providing multiple evidence-based pathways of support, and utilising the lived experience available in the workplace.