CTC leads the way with its Mental Health & Well-being Initiatives

It’s Mental Health Week which gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace. CTC recognises it has a leadership role in advocating best practice and innovation in well-being to our tenants and our stakeholders.

Mental health is a very important concern for those running organisations. Under workplace health and safety legislation employers have a statutory duty to ensure that their workplaces do not cause mental health issues. Employee Assistance schemes are one thing, but in terms of duty of care, employers will be asked to demonstrate that they have a culture that encourages both physical and mental well-being.

Listed below are some examples of how CTC supports good mental health on our precinct to both our staff, and also those of our tenants.

• Leave

Taking regular leave is paramount to health and safety as well as well-being. In addition to statutory requirements, CTC provides two days additional “well-being leave” per annum. Recognising the adage “the more we give, the happier we feel”, CTC staff may take an additional two days leave per annum to volunteer for a registered charity.

• Breaks

Regular breaks outside of lunch can be beneficial to workplace productivity. A worker who has had a sleepless night because of a young baby in the house can be a safety hazard at work. CTC staff may take a sleep break of up to 10 minutes duration per day in our “5R’s” Room.

• 5R’s Room

CTC provides a room where research, reading, rest and quiet reflection can take place. This doubles as a meditation room, contains our Well-being Library and is a rest zone. The 5R’s Room is available to both our staff and those of our tenants.

• Mindfulness

CTC staff are provided with the opportunity to learn mindfulness and meditation training is provided to all staff.  Those using the 5R’s room for meditation may take up to ten minutes break without the need to pay back this time.

• 24/7 Gym

There is a now a great body of research that says exercise is good for mental health. CTC has a fully equipped gym that is available to all workers whether they are employed by CTC itself or a tenant. For a minimal joining fee (currently set at $60 per annum), workers can access the gym 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Employee Assistance Program

CTC provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for use by CTC staff members and their immediate family. This cost is met by CTC for up to 3 consultations per year.

• Lifestyle Bonus

Having a good work-life balance is essential to physical and mental well-being. The provision of a workplace ‘bonus’ worth $500 per annum is one way that CTC advocates creating a healthy balance. In summary CTC will reimburse up to half the expenditure incurred by a staff member in purchasing movie or theatre tickets, holidays, family entertainment, massage etc.

For more information about CTC’s worker health and well-being initiatives, visit our dedicated website www.buildfitness.me.