Mental Health in Australia’s Executive Recruitment: A Priority for Success

Nicol Matheson • August 5, 2024

A business is only as productive as its employees. 

If employees are unhappy and not functioning at their best–the business will suffer.

But what does this mean in recruitment?


We examine the importance of prioritising mental well-being in our industry and offer practical strategies for improvement.

Person feeling overwhelmed at work

Understanding Work Place Mental Health


Workplace mental health encompasses the psychological well-being of employees within their work environment. It includes factors such as stress management, emotional resilience, and the ability to cope with professional demands.


In executive recruitment, where high-pressure situations are commonplace, maintaining good mental health is paramount.


Common Challenges in Executive Recruitment–


Our industry faces unique mental health challenges, including:


  • Burnout from long working hours
  • Anxiety due to high-stakes decision-making
  • Depression stemming from constant performance pressure


The Business Case for Mental Health Support


Some applicants reject impressive jobs due to lacking mental health resources. Promoting employee mental wellness yields both moral and financial benefits.


While taking into account your team’s well-being is the right thing to do, it also delivers results for the company as well, such as: 


  • Improved retention rates
  • Increased productivity
  • Enhanced workplace morale
  • Greater innovation and creativity


These outcomes are invaluable in an industry where talent is our primary asset.


Red, yellow and green emoji faces depicting emotions

Strategies for Promoting Mental Health


Organisations can implement initiatives to support workplace mental health. These include flexible working arrangements, providing access to counselling, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Implementing wellness programs and regular mental health training can also be beneficial.


The Role of Leadership


Leadership and management play a crucial role in fostering a mentally healthy workplace. Leaders should model positive behaviours. They should take breaks and set boundaries. This will encourage employees to do the same. Also, managers should be trained to spot mental health issues. They should know how to provide support and resources.


Measuring Mental Health in the Workplace


Organisations need to measure current implementations to support mental health in the workplace. Tools like employee surveys and performance metrics can help. They can provide insights into the workforce's mental well-being. Regularly collecting and analysing this data can help identify trends and areas needing improvement.


Building a Mental Health-Friendly Culture


Creating a supportive culture involves:


  • Normalising conversations about mental health
  • Reducing stigma around seeking help
  • Providing accessible resources (eg; Employee Assistance Programmes)
  • Offering workshops on stress management and resilience



Always Looked After with People Like Us®


Prioritising mental health in Australia's executive recruitment industry is essential for long-term success.

These strategies can help firms create a thriving environment for employees. This will improve performance and business outcomes.


We aim to improve businesses' mental health resources before placing candidates.




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