Work-related stress, burnout and anxiety are becoming increasingly common across Australian workplaces. The earlier workers receive support, the better the outcomes for both the individual and the organisation.

To help address this, Beyond Blue is delivering Before Blue – Worker Mental Health Coaching, a free and confidential coaching program funded by WorkSafe Victoria. The program is designed to provide practical support before everyday stress develops into a more serious mental health issue.

What is Before Blue?

Before Blue is an early intervention mental health coaching program that helps workers develop practical skills to manage stress, anxiety and work pressures. Unlike traditional counselling, the program focuses on teaching practical coping strategies using Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT). Participants work with the same coach throughout the program, allowing them to build confidence, resilience and healthy habits that can be used long after the coaching has finished.

Who Can Access the Program?

The program is available to:

• Workers aged 18 years and over
• Employees working in Victorian businesses with fewer than 200 employees
• Individuals who are experiencing stress, worry, burnout or feeling overwhelmed, but who are not in crisis

Importantly:

• No GP referral is required.
• There is no cost to the worker or employer.
• Coaching is completely confidential.
• Employers are not informed if an employee participates.

What Does the Coaching Include?

Eligible workers can receive up to eight coaching sessions, delivered by phone or secure video conference, making it easy to fit appointments around work and family commitments.

During the program, workers receive support to:

• Manage workplace stress
• Improve work-life balance
• Build resilience
• Recognise the early signs of burnout
• Develop practical coping strategies
• Improve confidence and wellbeing
• Create realistic action plans to overcome challenges

Sessions are solution-focused and provide practical tools that participants can continue using after the program ends.

Why Early Support Matters

Many people wait until stress has become overwhelming before seeking help. Early intervention can prevent minor concerns from becoming significant psychological injuries.

For employers, encouraging workers to access appropriate support can contribute to:

• Better employee wellbeing
• Reduced absenteeism
• Improved engagement
• Increased productivity
• A more positive workplace culture
• Earlier support for workers experiencing stress

While coaching does not replace an employer’s obligations to manage psychosocial hazards, it provides an excellent support option for workers who may benefit from additional assistance.

A Complement to Your Psychosocial Risk Management

Victorian employers have duties under occupational health and safety legislation to identify and control psychosocial hazards such as excessive workloads, poor support, workplace conflict and bullying.

Providing workers with information about services such as Before Blue demonstrates a proactive commitment to worker wellbeing. However, it is important to remember that coaching supports the individual—it does not replace the need to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks within the workplace.

The most effective approach combines:

• Good psychosocial hazard management
• Effective consultation with workers
• Supportive leadership
• Access to appropriate wellbeing services

How to Access Before Blue

Eligible workers can check their eligibility and register directly with Beyond Blue. The process is simple, confidential and does not require approval from their employer. If you are an employer, consider sharing information about the program through:

• Staff newsletters
• Toolbox talks
• Employee wellbeing programs
• Noticeboards
• Internal communications
• Manager briefings

Making workers aware of available support can encourage them to seek help early, before stress begins to affect their health, relationships or work performance.

Find out more about Beyond Blue’s free Before Blue – Worker Mental Health Coaching Program and check your eligibility through Beyond Blue. Before Blue – Worker Mental Health Coaching

Check out the Beyond Blue Resource Library

Beyond Blue’s free resource library contains practical tools suitable for businesses of every size, including:

• Mental health fact sheets
• Workplace guides for employers and managers
• Resources for employees
• Burnout information
• Wellbeing tools
• Mental health conversation guides
• Support resources for leaders
• Return-to-work guidance
• Practical workplace wellbeing information

The resources are written in plain English and can be used during inductions, toolbox talks, wellbeing initiatives and manager training sessions.

A Great Starting Point for Small Businesses

Many small businesses want to improve workplace wellbeing but aren’t sure where to begin.Free resources like these can help organisations:

• Understand common workplace mental health issues
• Improve communication between managers and workers
• Reduce stigma around mental health
• Encourage early support
• Promote a positive workplace culture
• Support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations

Supporting Compliance in Victoria

Victorian employers are increasingly focusing on psychosocial hazard management as part of their occupational health and safety systems.Resources from trusted organisations such as Beyond Blue complement guidance provided by WorkSafe Victoria and can support businesses when developing:

• Psychosocial hazard risk assessments
• Employee consultation activities
• Mental health awareness programs
• Supervisor training
• Workplace wellbeing initiatives

Remember that education alone is not enough. Employers must also identify workplace psychosocial hazards, assess the associated risks and implement appropriate control measures.

Download the Free Resources

Beyond Blue’s Workplace Resource Library is available free of charge and contains a wide range of practical tools that can be used immediately in your workplace.You can access the resources here: Beyond Blue Workplace Resource Library

There is also a stakeholder toolkit available for businesses to easily share information about Before Blue with their employees. Stakeholder Kit

Need Help Implementing Workplace Psychological Health Initiatives?

At OHS & HR Management Systems Pty Ltd, we help Victorian businesses develop practical workplace psychological health systems that go beyond compliance.

Our services include:

• Psychosocial hazard risk assessments
• Workplace mental health training, see our online self-paced Workplace Mental Health Awareness Course
• OHS management systems
• Workplace consultation processes
• Policy and procedure development
• Compliance support for Victorian employers

If you’d like assistance creating a psychologically healthy workplace, contact us today to discuss how we can help your organisation build a safer, healthier and more productive workplace.