Sean Aherne: Championing the ‘We Care’ movement

We start the New Year with a look at ‘We Care’ – The GFG Psychosocial Safety Programme, and speak to Sean Aherne, from InfraBuild Laverton on his role to drive the We Care mandate across GFG’s businesses and promote mental health and wellbeing across the organisation. Learn more here.

We want our people and all members of the GFG family to be safe, always. Every employee should be able to return home fit and well at the end of each workday. We believe that one injury or illness is one too many.

We are building our holistic mental health and wellbeing strategy under the banner of We Care. The mental health and wellbeing of our people is at the forefront of the Be GFG Safe health and safety strategy. True to our values, at every level, across every team, we will continue supporting each other, providing the right tools to do so, and champion the cultural shifts that reflect the needs of our people.

– Be GFG Safe team

Can you tell us briefly about We Care and your role in it?
Sean: We Care is a new Health & Wellbeing strategy under Be GFG Safe where psychological safety is paramount to be ‘Fit for Work, Fit for Life’. My role is as a central engagement lead (advocate) with a hands-on approach for all our MH&W (Mental Health & Wellbeing) initiatives and a single point of contact for our Mental Health Network. This also include to drive the adoption and embed behaviours to develop a culture of care across our workforce.

What prompted your transition from a technical role to actively working on the mental health program across the company?
Sean: The transition from a technical role to actively working on the mental health program across the company was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and address a critical need within the organisation. When the opportunity presented itself, I reflected on how far we have travelled, as a business, and moved forward in the awareness and education regarding mental health.

How does your technical background contribute to your approach in driving mental health initiatives within the company?
Sean: My technical background enables me to approach mental health initiatives with a data-informed mindset. For instance, I might analyse absenteeism rates, survey responses, or usage of mental health resources. This data-driven approach helps tailor initiatives to address specific needs.
By combining empathy with technical know-how, I can contribute to fostering a healthier workplace for all employees.

What are the pressing challenges you think we face with regards to mental health in the workplace?
Sean: Mental health in the workplace is a critical issue that affects employees at all levels. Some of the pressing challenges include long hours, shift work, feelings of isolation, workload, financial concerns, stress and burnout.

What specific strategies does We Care look at to foster a mentally healthy work environment, especially for those working in technically demanding positions?
Sean: Specific strategies that we are looking at to foster a mentally healthy work environment in the We Care Network include;
-prioritizing employee wellbeing: by providing access to mental health and wellness support resources
-open communication: by encouraging open dialogue between team members and management as well as fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their concerns
-training and awareness education: offering training sessions on multiple strategies including Mental Health First Aid, Self-Care Bento Box sessions with Mark Butler, a workplace mental health expert and strategist.
-promotion of a healthy work-life balance: by setting clear boundaries to avoid excessive overtime and ensuring employees have time for their personal life and relaxation
-leadership role modelling: encouraging open conversations about mental health and wellbeing and leading by example in prioritizing our own mental health.

How do you navigate the potential stigma around mental health and how can we create an open and supportive culture for mental health discussions?
Sean: Navigating mental health stigma is essential for fostering a compassionate and supportive environment. Through using education and awareness we can promote accurate information, dispelling myths and combating misconceptions. Creating a safe space for employees where they can feel comfortable discussing mental health and wellbeing while encouraging them to seek help without judgement. Self-reflection to examine our own attitudes and beliefs can foster empathy and compassion for those experiencing mental health challenges.

In your opinion, what role does leadership play in promoting mental health awareness?
Sean: Leadership plays a pivotal role in creating a mentally healthy workplace and fostering awareness that benefits everyone. Leaders can ensure that mental health resources are accessible to all. This includes employee assistance programs, counselling services, and awareness campaigns. By modelling vulnerability leaders who openly share their own mental health experiences create a safe space for others to do the same.

Do you have a motto or a purpose that drives you?
Sean: Our motto is ‘You Matter, We Care’ because that is what we believe. GFG has an expansive network of passionate people and support networks across the business. This motto also reminds us that caring for ourselves and one another is essential for positive wellbeing outcomes. Never forgetting that our mental health is as important as our physical health.