The CMHAA was established at a time when issues relating to mental health concerns have significantly increased in prevalence with over 92 per cent of work-related mental health condition claims attributed to work-related mental stress. It includes pressure in deadlines, harassment, exposure to violence and sexual or racial bullying. 

CU’s CEO Bruce Cooper said it is more important than ever that workplaces are being active in this space, adding CU chose to support CMHAA for a “pragmatic” perspective with its business-led, expert-guided approach on how organisations can assist. 

“Members can share strategies and insights. We can be open and authentic about the challenges that we’re facing. We can talk freely about how we’re tackling them, what’s working and what’s not,” Mr Cooper said. “None of us will have all the answers but, as a collective, we will have better answers.”

CMHAA will be anchored around three strategic priorities: provide safe settings, drive lasting change and empower leaders. With the strategies and support of mental health experts, CMHAA hopes members will find, test and deliver solutions that work. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated mental health issues with increased anxiety and uncertainty, self-isolation, family stress and financial hardships. Additional lockdown restrictions and social isolation measures have continued to change how the millions of Australian workers handle their mental health, according to CMHAA. 

With this in mind, KWM chief executive Berkeley Cox said the alliance is defined by a “unique spirit of cooperation” and a commitment at senior levels to create a workforce that has the “opportunity to thrive” and “where their wellbeing is strongly supported”. 

“I believe that, together, we have the potential to have a material impact on psychology wellbeing in Australian workplaces,” said Mr Cox. 

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DLA Piper Melinda Upton also recognised that a positive change must be championed from the top to be able to start to erode barriers and enable people to speak up without the fear of stigma. Ms Upton said the alliance has the potential to “really accelerate” a change in the way Australia approaches workplace mental health. 

“Its reach extends not only to workforces of its members, but also to the workforces of other companies and stakeholder groups that they interact with. The footprint that we can have across Australia is substantial,” Ms Upton said. 

Having faced her own battle with postnatal depression, MinterEllison’s CEO Annette Kimmitt said she knows how important it is to be mentally fit. 

“Mental health, for me, is all about psychological fitness. Feeling well, enjoying the challenges of life and work, and feeling equipped to deal with what’s in front of you in the workplace. That headspace allows you to support family, friends and colleagues as well,” she said.

The total list of CMHAA members are:

•     AIA Australia
•     Allianz Australia
•     Bunnings Group
•     Clayton Utz
•     Coles Group
•     Commonwealth Bank
•     Deloitte
•     DLA Piper
•     Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
•     King & Wood Mallesons
•     KPMG
•     Microsoft Australia
•     MinterEllison
•     Woolworths Group
•     PwC Australia