As a manager and/or supervisor, some of your work will include minimising stress experienced by employees, addressing poor performance or supporting people with mental health conditions. If one of your staff members is at risk of, or is experiencing stress or a mental health condition it is critical that you are supportive and proactive. You do not need special skills. You just need to be empathetic, approachable and willing to listen.

Most people with a mental health condition can effectively manage their own conditions without it affecting their ability to do their job. But there will be times when an employee requires support and reasonable adjustments at work to help them get and stay well. What this support looks like will vary greatly from one individual to another and from one workplace to another, so it is important to take time to discuss with your employee what they need, and review this frequently.

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As a manager and/or supervisor there are a number of things you can do when talking to staff about their mental health such as:

• Meet somewhere private and quiet outside of the workplace
• Encourage them to talk by asking simple, open and non-judgmental questions
• Advise them that anything they say will remain confidential
• Do not interrupt or rush the conversation
• Encourage them to seek advice and support from a qualified practitioner such as a psychologist
• Work together to develop an action plan to address issues when they arise
• Regularly follow up with them to see how they are
• Promote a positive work environment by openly discussing mental health with your team and the support that is available to them

Wellbeing Support is here to help you frame up these conversations.

In addition to the Wellbeing Support Services that are available, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are conducted statewide on a quarterly basis. These courses are free and available to all staff including volunteers. Course content includes topics such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, substance use disorder and suicidal thoughts, behaviours and interventions. Email wellbeing@dpfem.tas.gov.au to enquire about MHFA training.

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Want more information?

For more information on mental health and wellbeing, check out other posts and resources available through MyPulse.

Heads Up Australia also provides additional tips for managers and/or supervisors relating to supporting others:

• Managing team-related concerns
• Tips for managers to create a mentally healthy workplace for all employees
• Suicide and suicide prevention- things you should know
• Managing someone with a mental health condition
• Superfriend's Mental Health and Wellbeing Training: Supervisors and Managers
• Superfriend's Peer Support booklet
• Creating a mentally healthy workplace: A guide for managers