Recognising and Responding to Psychological Distress in the Workplace

This interactive workshop aims to provide team leaders, managers, human resources personnel and wellbeing staff with fundamental skills to understand and support others who may be experiencing mental distress and/or mental illness while in the workplace. Participants will be able to recognise and acknowledge their responsibility within their roles in identifying and supporting co-workers with mental health conditions, including legislative requirements, supportive workplace adjustments and information sharing.

Carved hand holding up a wayward branch showing the challenges in recognising and responding to psychological distress in the workplace.

Overview

  • The facts about mental health and illness in Aotearoa/NZ

  • How distress and/or mental illness may manifest in individuals

  • Basic mental health first aid in the workplace

  • Minimising stigma and discrimination and promoting safe responses and referrals

Participants will

  • Gain an awareness of the common mental health issues people in New Zealand face – using appropriate terminology

  • Explain, using an holistic framework, how stressors and distress may impact individuals in the workplace/organisation and the wider community

  • Be able to demonstrate increased awareness and confidence in engaging in supportive conversations – Basic Mental Health First Aid

  • Be able to recognise and acknowledge their responsibility as a Team Leader/Manager/HR in identifying and supporting co-workers with mental health conditions, including legislative requirements, supportive workplace adjustments and information sharing

  • Be able to use appropriate support and referral mechanisms as outlined and know where to access relevant information

  • Be able to develop strategies for recognising and supporting their own Mental Health and Wellbeing