‘Mock’ CV and cover letter provides HR with skills to create mentally healthy workplaces
The fourth Heads Up campaign has been launched by beyondblue to give HR the tools they need to create mentally healthy workplaces.
The goal of the campaign is to enliven the traditional hiring process by engaging managers and professional leaders in a surprising, yet simple, way.
This year’s campaign offers HR professionals and business owners the information and tools to foster a mentally healthy work environment – detailed via a CV and cover letter application, which defines the nine attributes of a healthy workplace.
The initiative delivered a ‘mock’ job application to companies currently hiring across industry segments, including HR and recruitment, management and telecommunications, health and education, media and publishing, and finance and law.
beyondblue CEO, Georgie Harman, explained how Heads Up takes an educational approach to workplace health.
“We’re excited to see the recipients’ reactions to our ‘mock’ job applications from beyondblue,” said Harman.
“It’s an engaging and creative way to bring a serious and hugely important topic into conversation.”
Harman added that Heads Up is for big and small businesses alike, from sole traders to multinational corporations.
“No matter the business size, the role of leaders is crucial to create and sustain positive mental health,” said Harman.
“Through Heads Up, we also have a host of online materials, backed by evidence-based information, tools and resources to help businesses manage mental health and employee wellbeing.”
Heads Up has accessible resources for employers, employees, managers and small business owners.
Chair of beyondblue, and former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard recently spoke about how employers must consider the one in five working Australians affected at any given time by mental health challenges, the one million Australian adults who are living today with depression and the two million who are living with an anxiety condition.
Gillard said that in the workplace, in particular, many people experience mental health issues and diversity and inclusion needs to be seen from their perspective.
“While some are locked out of meaningful employment, the vast majority of these people work,” said Gillard while delivering Diversity Council Australia’s Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on Diversity & Inclusion.
“They value work. They are highly productive. Yes, they may need flexibility, reasonable adjustments, time off from time to time. But who doesn’t?
“And too often, all employers see is a diagnosis, not the value of the richness of experience these people bring. Too often employers view mental health in the workplace through the lens of deficit and risk.”
Related stories:
How to deal with employees with mental health issues
Five tips for HR to help staff combat stress
