Corporate Mental Health Alliance signs the National Communications Charter

The Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia (CMHAA) has recently signed the National Communications Charter (The Charter), demonstrating leadership in supporting and promoting mental health and safe communication in Australian workplaces.

CMHAA Executive Director, Dr Kim Hamrosi, and Chair, Steven Worrall (Managing Director, Microsoft) signed The Charter on Thursday, 19 August during a virtual event, in the presence of board members including Melinda Upton, and Lucy Brogden, Board Advisor and Chair of the National Mental Health Commission.

Signing The Charter formalises CMHAA’s commitment to using safe, inclusive language when discussing mental health and suicide, with the aim of reducing workplace stigma and promoting help-seeking behaviour. They are encouraging all of their member organisations to do the same.

Mental ill-health and suicide cause not only a significant emotional effect on individuals, but social and economic impacts as well, with an estimated cost to Australian businesses of approximately $15 billion dollars a year through absenteeism, reduced work performance, and increased staff turnover. Given the return on investment is $2.30 for every $1 spent on of workplace mental health programs, taking action to support employee mental health in the workplace can have a significant business impact, as well as drive important health and social change.

CMHAA recognises that positive mental health is essential for employees to thrive in the workplace and beyond, and that language and communication is one of the most powerful ways to achieve this. The use of safe and inclusive language is important for promoting conversations about mental health, so that organisations can support their employees, and staff can support each other to seek help if they need it.