Allianz Australia has participated in a new pilot program developed and run by the international bestselling author of “I Had a Black Dog,” as part of its ongoing commitment to encouraging healthy workplaces, including its own.
The new workplace education program, called “Here’s a Thought,” was based by Matthew Johnston’s personal experience with severe depression and aims to send regular “thoughts” to employees to inspire them to recognise the symptoms of ill health, seek help, and reach out for support.
The pilot program was rolled out in VIC, with the majority of Allianz participants feeling more informed and confident about mental health and wellbeing.
The program saw a 35% increase in staff confidence that they can deal with work and non-work related stress, a 19% rise in staff confidence that they feel they could have a conversation about their mental health and work or home, and 14% increase in staff knowledge around recognising that their mental health is declining in order to address it. Wellbeing rating also rose from 5.1/10 to 6.1/10.
