Smashing the stigma in mental health – a strategic blueprint for change
Anna Feringa A C and Nada Wentzel B CA The Jonah Group, 3/93–95 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee, NSW 2034, Australia.
B The Jonah Group, 2/61 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay, NSW 2481, Australia.
C Corresponding authors. Email: Anna.Feringa@jonahgroup.com.au; Nada.wentzel@jonahgroup.com.au
The APPEA Journal 60(1) 10-18 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ19209
Submitted: 13 December 2019 Accepted: 28 February 2020 Published: 15 May 2020
Abstract
The oil and gas industry is known for its strong commitment to safety which often focuses on process safety, physical safety and behaviour, with little attention to mental health. Mental health is a growing issue. It impacts decision making, increases the likelihood of human error which can result in the loss of lives and environmental destruction. If not addressed properly, it can cause excessive stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or even suicide. Mental health is one of the biggest risks to the oil and gas industry today. Research shows that one in five workers suffer from a mental health issue at some point in time during their lives. Experts believe these statistics are higher for workers in the oil and gas industry due to the nature of the work – long working hours, isolation, being away from friends and family, feeling under high pressure to avoid mistakes due to the potentially devastating consequences and being a male dominated industry. Investment in mental health is currently often limited to Employee Assist Programs, R U OK days or wellbeing initiatives. What is needed is a total strategic and integrated approach which organisations can customise to their specific needs, distinct from a series of individual initiatives. By learning from leading practices, other industries and extending experience from building effective safety cultures within the oil and gas industry to mental health, a total strategic approach is presented which will enable organisations build their own customised blueprint and smash the stigma surrounding mental health.
Keywords: workplace mental health, mental health blueprint, leadership capability, stigma, culture change, workplace safety, mental illness, prevention, management, cost–benefit, improved performance, absenteeism, presenteeism, performance management, human reliability, psychological safety.
Anna Feringa is the Director at Anna Feringa Consulting Pty Ltd and Mental Health Director at The Jonah Group. Anna is a highly experienced workplace mental health consultant and international speaker in Organisational Psychology. With over 17 years working with Australian businesses in personal injury, Mental Health Leadership and Psychological Risks Prevention and Management, Anna lends herself to designing and implementing Psychological Safety Frameworks for Australian Businesses and various Government Agencies. Anna holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) and is a member of the Charles Sturt University Golden Key Society for high Academic Achievement. Anna is a certified Disability Management Practitioner (CDMP) and Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. She has worked with several organisations to design and co-create award winning mental health and wellbeing programs for Australian workplaces. |
Nada Wentzel is the Executive Coach and Global Solutions Director at The Jonah Group. Nada is a highly sought after Global Executive Coach and thought partner. She works with global organisations to design and deliver integrated solutions that achieve sustainable change in safety, leadership and mental wellbeing. She is co-founder of The Jonah Group and has over 25 years of experience in Transport, Oil, Gas, Mining, Power and Explosives Manufacturing. She holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (Hons) and started her career as an Offshore Engineer with ExxonMobil and played a senior role in the Longford Crisis Management Team in 1998. In 1998 she was involved in serious fire incident which resulted in 35% burns to her body. This led her to re-evaluate her career and pursue a Master’s in Social Ecology and Organisational Change and qualifications in Coaching and Neuroscience. She loves Japanese whisky, dark chocolate and lounge room dancing. She is happily married with two children and lives in Byron Bay. |
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