Mental health matters—yet for too long, it’s been a quiet crisis behind closed office doors and on remote job sites. But that’s changing. Across industries, women and marginalised genders are helping to lead a cultural shift that puts wellbeing front and centre. These stories show what’s possible when employers don’t just talk about mental health, but truly show up for it.

Burnout, isolation, and stress aren’t new—but the pandemic, economic instability, and shifting work patterns have brought them to the surface. Mental health support isn’t a bonus; it’s a necessity.

In Australia, one in five people experiences a mental health condition every year. In male-dominated and high-pressure industries, stigma and silence often worsen the impact. That’s why workplace support isn’t just about crisis response. It’s about prevention, culture change, and inclusive care that recognises the unique needs of every employee.

WORK180 Endorsed Employers are proving that a proactive, inclusive approach to mental wellbeing isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business. From onsite clinicians to ally networks, they’re setting new standards for what care at work really looks like.

Accenture is building a culture of allyship and accountability

From paid leave for medical appointments to multilingual wellbeing portals, Accenture is taking a holistic approach to mental health. Their initiatives include EAP services, mental health first aid courses, and employee-led groups like the Healthy Minds employee resource group.

Accenture doesn’t just offer resources—they embed wellbeing into the way teams work together. Health and wellbeing charters encourage open dialogue about psychosocial risks, while tailored support plans help employees navigate grief, health diagnoses, and life pressures.

These charters serve as living documents for teams, enabling them to set their own wellbeing goals and track progress over time. The result is a stronger sense of psychological safety—where employees feel confident raising concerns and shaping healthier ways of working.

When someone at Accenture faces a mental health challenge, the company steps in with a collaborative approach. The Health, Safety & Wellbeing team works closely with the individual to build personalised recovery plans, enabling them to stay connected and/or participate in suitable work while getting the support they need.

This isn’t just about retention, it’s about respect. It’s about recognising that wellbeing is dynamic and personal, and that work can be both a source of purpose and support.

MinRes is embedding mental health support where it matters most

At Mineral Resources (MinRes), mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical safety. As the first WA resources company to place in-house counsellors on mine sites, they’re setting a precedent for support that meets workers where they are.

With their Mind Matters team of six clinicians working both onsite and in Perth, MinRes ensures consistent care for remote and FIFO workers. Employees can access one-on-one counselling, group education, and daily check-ins—either in person or via telehealth. This continuity of care means that no one has to choose between their job and their mental wellbeing.

Importantly, the model is working. In FY25, nearly 9% of employees accessed their Mind Matters services, attending an average of four sessions each. Around 45% identified as women—a powerful indicator of the service’s relevance and reach across a traditionally male-dominated workforce.

MinRes also recognises that women in the resources sector often face distinct pressures—from gender isolation to caregiving responsibilities. That’s why all clinicians receive gender-sensitive training, and why women’s mental health is woven into broader inclusion strategies.

“Supporting women to champion their own wellbeing not only strengthens their resilience but also creates a positive ripple effect that extends to their families, relationships and communities,” Chris shares.

Mental health conversations are further encouraged through on-site events, panel discussions, and activities like RU OK? Day—all designed to normalise help-seeking and build a culture of care.

Just as MinRes is reimagining care for remote workers, Accenture is building psychological safety into every meeting and milestone. These efforts show that workplace wellbeing isn’t a side program—it’s a foundation for inclusion, productivity, and human connection.

Your well-being is not negotiable

What these stories reveal is simple but powerful: when employers invest in mental health, they invest in people. And when people feel safe to show up as their whole selves, everything changes.

If you’re looking for a workplace that will support all of you—your goals, your challenges, your wellbeing—start with Accenture and MinRes.

Explore their profiles on WORK180 to see how they’re raising the bar for mental health support and creating environments where everyone can thrive.