Mental health requires more than just talking about it. Read on to see the many ways how TPAG actively prioritises this for our team...
This World Mental Health Day, we’re excited to embrace the theme of, 'It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace'. As an Occupational Therapy practice, TPAG know firsthand how important it is to support mental well-being – not only for the individuals we support but also for our own team. Mental health in the workplace isn’t just a priority for us, it’s embedded in everything we do.
Mental health affects how we show up at work – how we engage with our colleagues, our clients, and even how we handle the challenges that come our way. It creates a filter for how we process the world around us. When mental well-being is prioritised, employees are more creative, productive, and resilient. But when it’s neglected, stress and burnout can take over. At TPAG we believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment where their mental health is valued and nurtured.
In our practice, we’ve created a culture that actively supports and promotes mental wellness. From flexible work arrangements to open communication, we’ve implemented systems that ensure our team feels supported – not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day.
As an OT practice, we’re all about empowerment – and that includes empowering our team to prioritise self-care. We make it a point to model the importance of taking care of yourself, so you can show up at your best for others. We get that ‘self-care’ can look different for everyone and encourage our team to undertake activities that support them to recharge, reconnect and regulate themselves, so they can keep their ‘batteries’ charged. Regular breaks, mental health days, and opportunities for reflection are all encouraged. We even have a dedicated ‘self-care’ KPI to remind our team that your well-being comes first.
We know that life can sometimes be unpredictable and finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for mental well-being. That’s why we offer flexible work arrangements for our team. Need to shift your hours to make time for a personal commitment? No problem. Working in the community already gives our OTs flexibility in how they structure their day, but we take it a step further by ensuring that flexibility is part of your ongoing work-life balance. Maybe it’s just an important appointment, or perhaps it’s taking your child to school on their first day, we don’t want those important moments to be missed.
Whether you’re managing family responsibilities, pursuing hobbies, or just need a mental health day, we’re here to support you. We want to create an environment where work adapts to life, not the other way around.
A supportive work environment starts with open and honest communication. We encourage our team members to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or need extra support, and normalise the flux of an ever-changing workload. By fostering this openness, we ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
But we don’t stop at conversation. We offer practical support through regular check-ins, team meetings focused on well-being, and professional development opportunities around mental health strategies. Whether it’s learning new mindfulness techniques, managing workload stress, or discussing the latest mental health research, we ensure our team has the tools to look after their mental health.
Ultimately, one of the greatest benefits of working for an organisation that prioritises mental health is being part of a team that genuinely cares. When you’re supported, it’s easier to give your best to your clients and colleagues. Knowing you have a workplace that values you as a whole person – not just an employee – makes all the difference.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re proud to know we live out the message: It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. By putting mental well-being at the forefront, we create a supportive, thriving environment for everyone on our team. Together, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where mental health truly matters – today and every day.
