MENTAL health in the workplace and key business concerns were the topic of choice at Tuesday night’s Business SA Let Your Regional Voice Be Heard workshop.
Held at The Barn, the session saw around 40 local business owners and managers share their thoughts on health and welfare in the workplace, payroll, company tax, bank levies and transportation costs.
With a strong focus on mental health awareness, Aboto Psychology and Workplace Conflict Management Services director Moira Jenkins said it was one of the biggest workshops conducted in regional South Australia.
“This was the first time I have come to Mount Gambier with EML to promote mental health awareness in the workplace,” she said.
“Around a quarter of the participants said there was somebody at work with a mental health illness.
“It is a big issue and most people wanted to know what their responsibilities are and how to help manage this.”
According to EML, around 20pc of Australian employees will experience a mental health issue during their working lives, reducing their ability to work and impacting on productivity.
Mount Gambier City Council Main Corner coordinator Talie Teakle was one of many who found the session informative and beneficial.
“The main thing I took away from the session was to ensure staff have flexibility,” she said.
Green Triangle Electronics sales manager Shayne Hosking said there were many ideas he will now implement in the workplace.
“We need to ensure we are engaging well with the staff,” he said.
Following the workshop, attendees had the opportunity to take part in a networking event where they could further discuss what matters most in the region.
