Managing Mental Health at Work

Mental health problems have risen dramatically since Covid, with most employees experiencing mental illness during their lifetime. Many employers are overwhelmed and lost with how to manage the growing tide of mental health problems. Unmanaged mental illness is now a leading cause of productivity loss, impacting absenteeism and workplace performance.

This virtual course equips you with practical tools to lawfully manage mental health issues while fostering a healthier workplace culture. Learn to detect early warning signs of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and confidently assist struggling staff. Discover how to handle mental health crises, support staff resilience, and comply with legal obligations around discrimination, reasonable support, and health and safety.

This insightful and practical course will introduce you to some of the latest science, health and safety and legal knowledge in the field. Gain insights and explore strategies to reduce risks, boost engagement, and create a more productive workplace.

Find out how to improve mental wellness and meet your legal obligations while creating a healthier workplace culture.

Course format:

Consider the impact of unwell staff at work, including on sick leave and mental incapacity. Find out how to support staff and manage poor performance when the staff member is mentally unwell.

This course is co-presented by mental health expert Michael Hempseed and employment lawyer Julia Shallcrass. In this virtual 6.5 hours course, attendees will receive a digital workbook including activities. We will explore case studies to show you how to deal with real issues. This course involves Q&A and activities for you to discuss in small groups.

You Will Learn:

• Recognise early signs of mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression to provide timely support

• Engage in compassionate conversations with employees who may have mental health issues, fostering trust and understanding

• Explore ways to support to staff with mental illness in your workplace and reduce the incidence of mental illness

• Manage complex situations during an employee’s mental health crisis, including when professional intervention is required

• Discover some of the latest and effective treatments for complex mental health issues to help employees who are struggling

• Address the workplace challenges of mental illness, including managing poor performance, supporting return-to-work transitions, and handling medical incapacity

• Enhance resilience and promote mental well-being across your team

• Support inclusivity by reasonably accommodating employees’ mental health needs while preventing discrimination and complying with health and safety laws

• Avoid unlawful discrimination and personal grievances by complying with legal obligations

• Consider case scenarios and case law updates to comply with the law

Employment lawyer Julia Shallcrass develops leaders to improve their management and communication skills.

Julia is a practical and engaging presenter with expertise in training leaders to create high-performing workplaces in the course, Leader’s Guide to Performance Management.

Julia is an employment columnist for the NZ Herald. Employment lawyer Julia Shallcrass develops leaders to improve their management and communication skills.