MetLife Australia launches new policy to promote mental health of staff

The life insurance provider announced the policy on Thursday which is based on a series of goals including increasing employer knowledge and awareness of mental health issue and behaviours; reducing stigma around depression, anxiety and suicide; and encouraging participation in initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing.

One of the initiatives includes an online learning platform in partnership with mental health service SuperFriend which provides interactive mental health and wellbeing training modules and resources.

MetLife will also launch an information and resources hub which includes content from the Black Dog Institute and its 360Health program.

It comes after research commissioned by MetLife found that half of its respondents are suffering mental health issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, while 70 per cent of employers have identified mental health as the most important aspect that needs to be worked on coming out of the pandemic.

MetLife Australia head of people and culture Allyson Carlile said the company is a firm believer that supporting employees’ mental health is key to success and sustainability.

“We want everyone at MetLife to have a role in building a safe and healthy environment and culture,” Ms Carlile said.

“To ensure we are providing meaningful support, we are encouraging our leadership team to share a mental health promise for World Mental Health Day, and asking our staff to actively contribute and provide feedback on our policy.

“The policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the needs of our employees.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.