Consulting sector action on mental health: Consult Australia
Find out how Consult Australia championed an industry-led response to mental health in the consulting sector, drawing on the experiences and advocacy of key leaders.
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- Consult Australia drew on key leaders’ experiences to create an industry-led initiative to address mental health and wellbeing in the consulting sector.
- The association produced a thought leadership paper on the benefits of mentally healthy workplaces including the productivity benefits. This established a strong foundation for activities.
- The organisation’s activities include a knowledge hub of resources, advocacy activities supported by a roundtable, and an ambassador group that raises awareness.
- Consult Australia supports organisations of all sizes, but smaller organisations in particular have benefited from sharing knowledge and practice.
A senior executive of an engineering consulting firm sharing his experience of mental illness prompted Consult Australia – the industry association representing design, advisory and engineering businesses – to consider how they could better support mentally healthy workplaces in their industry.
“I wanted to make a better place so that other people don’t have to go through the years of hiding that I did.”
Gerry Doyle, Consult Australia Former President
Gerry Doyle sharing his experience had a profound impact on the industry, prompting the key activities listed above.
As well as supporting businesses with people experiencing mental illness and ill-health, Consult Australia is looking at how the industry can better address the risks and hazards facing workers (e.g. working onsite with clients).
Consult Australia identified some key lessons for others:
- Engage senior leaders and executives who can influence the industry from the outset.
- Recruit and encourage capable and passionate people to drive foundational work.
- Look at other industries to find out what works and what doesn’t.
