World Mental Health Day 2024: ‘Mental Health at Work’

The Importance of Mental Health at Work

With around 3,000 employees, the majority of whom are involved in delivering private mental health services to thousands of Australians annually, the wellbeing of our staff is paramount. To honour this theme and raise awareness around the importance of mental health at work, we’re sharing stories from our team, showcasing how they prioritise their own mental health while at work.

Stories from Our Team

Our CEO, Julia Strickland-Bellamy, highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and energy to meet the demands of the business. Most mornings, she starts her day with a run on Burleigh Hill, Gold Coast, which helps her focus, recharge, and appreciate the essentials in life—good health, nature, and freedom.

At our regional head office in Robina, there is a growing trend amongst our staff to take to the park at lunchtime to get their heart rate up and enjoy some downtime with colleagues. Jodie, Liz, Alix, and Jacinda are trying to commit to this daily, along with Tony, our Chief Legal Officer, who’s a frequent lunchtime runner.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Creating a safe environment, having supportive colleagues, and enjoying meaningful work are all critical elements of positive mental health in the workplace. At Aurora, we know that the nature of our work—providing care, treatment, and therapy for patients—requires an extraordinary level of resilience, selflessness, and commitment from our staff. It’s important to acknowledge the pressures of a busy, high-intensity work environment, particularly within our hospitals and services.

Initiatives to Support Staff Wellbeing

To support our team’s wellbeing, we’ve recently launched Fitness Passport, making gym memberships and self-care more accessible for our staff. In addition, we offer discounted private health insurance, providing extra support for personal health and wellness.

A Year-Round Commitment

While we emphasise mental health today, let’s commit to making it a year-round focus at Aurora. By doing so, we truly live the values of our organisation. We encourage all our colleagues to share how they maintain their mental health at work, and remember that our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for any mental health concerns, along with feedback mechanisms to support a healthier workplace.

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day 2024 is a reminder of the importance of mental health at work. At Aurora Health Care, we are dedicated to supporting our staff’s mental wellbeing through various initiatives and a supportive work environment. We support the commitment to prioritise mental health every day, ensuring a healthier, happier workplace for all.