Melbourne, Australia – In a significant move to dismantle employment barriers for individuals living with mental health conditions, WISE Employment has announced a pioneering initiative, supported by a generous grant from The Ian Potter Foundation. This new project will leverage the expertise of WISE Employment’s specialist mental health and employment team, WISE IDEA, in collaboration with Monash University, to develop an innovative Employer Toolkit.
Empowering workplaces with mental health expertise
The toolkit will equip businesses, including social enterprises, with essential resources and strategies to create supportive workplace environments. “Unemployment rates for people with mental health conditions are unacceptably high. It’s essential that we provide workplaces with the specialist support they need to change this narrative,” explained Shannon Lang, Director of WISE IDEA.
Bridging the gap in employer support
The WISE IDEA Employer Toolkit Project will address critical gaps in current support for employers. This includes the development of programs to enhance workplace capability to assist employees affected by mental health conditions at work.
The toolkit will include an online Employer Support Guide, access to specialist occupational therapists for workplace assessments, job-redesign resources, and strategies to enhance manager capabilities. “Our occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to implement workplace adjustments that support both individuals with mental health conditions and their employers, setting them up for success,” Shannon added.
A commitment to community and workplace inclusion
‘We are delighted to support this important initiative,’ says Dr Alberto Furlan, Senior Program Manager at The Ian Potter Foundation. ‘The Toolbox program is a good fit for The Ian Potter Foundation. It will provide a diverse group of employers with the skills and confidence to support people with mental health conditions to be part of their workforce.’
Photographed: Paul Conroy – CEO of The Ian Potter Foundation; Shannon Lang – Director, WISE IDEA; Dr Alberto Furlan, Senior Program Manager at The Ian Potter Foundation; Caroline Crosse – Innovation, Mental Health and Employment, WISE IDEA; John Bateup – Group CEO, WISE Employment