Supporting mental health in small business

Mischa's Boxing Central owner Mischa Merz is taking advantage of a new mental health toolkit to support her staff. (Supplied)

Footscray boxing gym Mischa’s Boxing Central is taking precautions to prevent mental health issues impacting its workforce through the state government’s Workwell Toolkit for Small Business online service.

The online service includes case studies and policy templates to promote mental wellbeing, as well as practical ideas and information to prevent mental injury in the workplace.

Mischa’s Boxing Central owner Mischa Merz said maintaining the mental health of her staff was essential.

“Physical fitness and mental fitness are inextricably linked – you can’t really separate them,” she said.

“That’s why as a small business owner, I know the importance of protecting and promoting the mental health of my staff.”

The former Australian National Boxing champion runs the gym with six staff members.

PwC and the Beyond Blue National Mental Health Commission analysis reveals for every $1 invested in mental health in the workplace businesses will see an average of $2.30 returned.

Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said mental health is just as important as physical health.

“This toolkit will help small businesses develop an understanding of how to create mentally healthy workplaces and prevent mental injury from happening in the first place,” she said.

The online toolkit is part of the government’s $26 million Wellbeing and Mental Health Support of Victorian Businesses initiative.

Details: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/workwell-toolkit-small-business