Mental Health Month: Tackling Wellbeing for a Shared Cause

Every October, Mental Health Month in Australia reminds us of something we often forget: mental health isn’t just personal—it’s also shaped by the places we work. The average person spends a third of their life at work, so it’s no surprise that the environment we work in can have a huge impact on how we feel, how we perform, and how we connect with others.

Why reducing psychosocial hazards matters

Workplaces have come a long way in protecting employees from physical risks, but psychosocial hazards—things like unmanageable workloads, unclear roles, poor leadership, or bullying — are just as damaging. They chip away at confidence, increase stress, and over time, can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression.

The good news? These risks can be reduced. Employers who take the time to create psychologically safe environments not only protect their people, but also improve retention, productivity, and culture. A safe workplace is a thriving workplace.

The benefits when employers care

When organisations actively support mental health, everyone benefits. Employees feel valued and supported, which builds loyalty and motivation. Teams become more engaged and collaborative. Absenteeism drops. And leaders see measurable returns in productivity and performance. Caring for mental health isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s a smart investment in both people and business.

Why it’s worth it for employees, too

For employees, focusing on mental health at work isn’t just about surviving the day—it’s about building skills that help in every part of life. When people learn strategies for managing stress, boosting energy, and building confidence at work, those skills ripple outward into their families, friendships, and communities. Work becomes more than a paycheck - it becomes a place that supports growth and resilience.

A simple way to get started: 25 Days 25 Plays

This Mental Health Month, Better Learning is encouraging workplaces to take action in a way that’s practical, affordable, and impactful. 25 Days 25 Plays is a digital wellbeing program that delivers one small, evidence-based “play” each day, led by some of Australia’s favourite athletes. In just a few minutes a day, employees learn proven strategies like gratitude, mindfulness, movement, sleep hygiene, stress regulation, and confidence building.

The beauty of the program is its simplicity. It doesn’t disrupt the workday, it doesn’t require huge budgets, and it creates visible results in energy, resilience, and team culture. For workplaces, it’s a low-cost, high-impact way to show employees that their wellbeing really matters.

The takeaway?

Mental Health Month is a chance for Australian workplaces to rethink how they support their people. Reducing psychosocial hazards and investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the key to building stronger, more productive organisations. And with simple, scalable programs like 25 Days 25 Plays, taking that first step has never been easier.

👉 Want to create a healthier, more resilient workplace this Mental Health Month? Sign your team up for 25 Days 25 Plays and see the difference one small play a day can make.