Abstract
Work is considered beneficial to mental health and wellbeing, contributing to an individual’s sense of identity and self-worth, skills development, relationship building and social skills. However, prolonged or repeated exposure to work-related or even a serious single event can cause adverse health issues and reduce a person’s capacity to work (Worksafe Victoria, 2007).
Workplace stressors can range from bullying, unreasonable workloads, inflexible work scheduling, and an inability to influence job-related decisions (Worksafe Victoria, 2007). Workers in specific industries, including health and social services, law enforcement, defence and teaching, are more prone to facing work-related stressors, contributing to higher rates of poor mental health (Seymour and Grove, 2005: Joyce et. al, 2016).
WorkSafe WorkWell has funded The Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) to Chair a Learning Network for Victoria’s emergency management sector. The action-learning program, Leading for Better Mental Health, has been developed to assist line managers across all agencies lead for better mental health, with an aim to improve mental health and wellbeing across the sector. It will develop and trial innovative solutions to respond to and address the work-related factors that influence workplace mental health and wellbeing. Thus, the focus of the program is on improving participants’ understanding of mental health and factors within the emergency services sector, as well as on developing participants’ leadership skills in driving and influencing change in their workplace to facilitate the promotion of mentally healthy organisations.
In conjunction with the pilot program, the project team has been asked to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the program. Based on Kirkpatrick’s (1959) renowned model for analysing and evaluating the results of training programs (reaction, learning, behaviour, results), the research team surveys participants using quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions after each of the 12 training sessions. This mixed-method research approach also includes interviews of both, participants and their supervisors. This presentation reports on the evaluation process and its findings.
Workplace stressors can range from bullying, unreasonable workloads, inflexible work scheduling, and an inability to influence job-related decisions (Worksafe Victoria, 2007). Workers in specific industries, including health and social services, law enforcement, defence and teaching, are more prone to facing work-related stressors, contributing to higher rates of poor mental health (Seymour and Grove, 2005: Joyce et. al, 2016).
WorkSafe WorkWell has funded The Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) to Chair a Learning Network for Victoria’s emergency management sector. The action-learning program, Leading for Better Mental Health, has been developed to assist line managers across all agencies lead for better mental health, with an aim to improve mental health and wellbeing across the sector. It will develop and trial innovative solutions to respond to and address the work-related factors that influence workplace mental health and wellbeing. Thus, the focus of the program is on improving participants’ understanding of mental health and factors within the emergency services sector, as well as on developing participants’ leadership skills in driving and influencing change in their workplace to facilitate the promotion of mentally healthy organisations.
In conjunction with the pilot program, the project team has been asked to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the program. Based on Kirkpatrick’s (1959) renowned model for analysing and evaluating the results of training programs (reaction, learning, behaviour, results), the research team surveys participants using quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions after each of the 12 training sessions. This mixed-method research approach also includes interviews of both, participants and their supervisors. This presentation reports on the evaluation process and its findings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 13 Sept 2021 |
| Event | Workplace Mental Health Symposium 2021 - JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise, Australia Duration: 13 Sept 2021 → 15 Sept 2021 https://www.emedevents.com/medical-hybrid-events-2021/workplace-mental-health-symposium-2021 (Symposium link) |
Seminar
| Seminar | Workplace Mental Health Symposium 2021 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Maximising Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing for Small to Large Enterprises; What Do They Really Need? |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Surfers Paradise |
| Period | 13/09/21 → 15/09/21 |
| Other | Changing work environments, rising uncertainty, and increased social isolation are just some of the factors that contribute to mental ill health. With 30% of Australians already reporting moderate to high levels of stress – and numbers expected to rise – workplaces have a responsibility to help flatten the curve. By attending the Workplace Mental Health Symposium you will discover the key challenges facing employee mental health and the changing work environment. With a selection of case studies, research findings, lived experience speakers and networking opportunities, you’ll leave feeling empowered and inspired to influence positive change. |
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