Workplace mental health is finally taking centre stage in Australia and New Zealand, but SuperFriend’s A Decade of Data report reveals a sobering truth: despite growing awareness and reduced stigma, psychological injury claims are on the rise. This paradox highlights an urgent need for leaders to move beyond awareness and take action to protect and support their people.

With over ten years of insights from 75,000 responses to the Indicators of a Thriving Workplace survey, the report paints a clear picture: workplaces across Australia and New Zealand can either elevate or erode mental health. Alarmingly, up to 50% of workers with mental health conditions say their workplace has caused or worsened their challenges.

At Steople, we see this as a call to action. Our mission is to partner with local organisations to build workplaces where people and businesses thrive – because we know the challenges faced by leaders across Australia and New Zealand are unique and require tailored, evidence-based solutions.

Read the full report here – https://www.superfriend.com.au/a-decade-of-data 

Mental Health in Our Region: What the Data Tells Us

SuperFriend’s report identifies three critical areas where workplaces often fall short, resonating strongly with trends we observe across Australia and New Zealand:

1. Psychological Safety: Many employees hesitate to raise mental health concerns, fearing stigma or negative consequences.

2. Purpose and Belonging: People thrive when they feel the

ir work matters and their contributions are valued.

3. Proactive Wellbeing Support: Too many organisations wait until employees are in crisis rather than addressing wellbeing preventatively.

These insights are particularly relevant to our region, where evolving legislation, workforce dynamics, and cultural attitudes require organisations to take a proactive and localised approach to mental health.

How Steople Supports Australian and New Zealand Workplaces

At Steople, we specialise in helping organisations across Australia and New Zealand create environments where people feel supported, safe, and connected. Here’s how we can help:

1. Addressing Psychosocial Risk and Psychological Safety

Psychosocial risks are increasingly a focus for regulatory bodies in Australia and New Zealand. Steople helps organisations assess their current state, identify risks, and implement strategies to improve psychological safety and reduce harm.

2. Building Leadership Capability for Mental Health

Leadership is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Through bespoke workshops and coaching, we empower leaders to foster open, honest conversations about mental health and lead with empathy, courage, and purpose.

3. Tailored Wellbeing Initiatives

Every organisation is different, and so are its people. Steople collaborates with organisations to design wellbeing programs that address specific challenges, from stress management to enhancing team cohesion and resilience.

4. Measuring Progress for Sustained Impact

Organisations in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly focused on evidence-based approaches. We provide tools and frameworks to measure wellbeing outcomes, ensuring strategies are effective and aligned with business goals.

Thriving Workplaces Across Australia and New Zealand

The A Decade of Data report underscores what we’ve always believed at Steople: creating thriving workplaces isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. In our region, where talent retention, engagement, and innovation are key to staying competitive, fostering purpose, connection, and wellbeing is essential.

Imagine a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. That’s the kind of workplace we help leaders create every day.

Let’s Shape the Future of Work Together

SuperFriend’s insights challenge us to think differently about mental health at work. The time to act is now, and with Steople as your partner, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Together, we can transform workplaces across Australia and New Zealand into environments where mental health is prioritised, and people can thrive.

Ready to get started? Let’s connect and explore how Steople can support your organisation in creating a lasting impact for your people and your business.

If you would like to find out more, contact your local Steople office today here.