Creating Mentally Healthy Places That Value Young People

Mental health is a growing concern for young Australians. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 38.8% of people aged 16–24 experienced a mental disorder in the past year. These challenges often show up in places like work, school, clubs and community groups.

In workplaces like tourism, hospitality, retail, where many young people often begin their working lives, the stakes are especially high. These environments can be fast-paced, emotionally demanding, and unpredictable, but they also hold enormous potential to support wellbeing when they are designed with care.

Workplaces can be fast-paced, emotionally demanding and unpredictable.

What Makes a Workplace Mentally Healthy?

Research and real-world examples point to three key principles for action, as outlined by the National Mental Health Commission (2024) and discussed in relation to the hospitality industry by Adam Nebbs and colleagues (2023). These principles are:

1. Prevent harm – Reduce risks like bullying, overwork, and poor communication.

2. Promote the positive – Foster creativity, connection, and purpose.

3. Respond to problems – Act quickly and compassionately when issues arise.

When young workers are surrounded by plenty of support, and valued for who they are and the skills they bring to the workplace, they’re more likely to feel valued and be engaged. When their personal interests are recognised and their wellbeing is prioritised, they’re more likely to stay and be more productive.

The Tasmanian-based HOSPO Health Framework reinforces these principles, encouraging hospitality businesses to embed psychosocial health and safety, along with other areas of focus for wellbeing, into their culture by focusing on prevention, promotion, and response. There is plenty that all workplaces can do to create workplaces where young people thrive.

Practical Steps for Employers and Supporters

Whether you're an employer, educator, or someone else supporting young people, here are some ways to make your environment more mentally healthy:

• Listen and involve young people in decisions that affect them.

• Design roles with flexibility and purpose, allowing room for creativity and growth.

• Build strong social connections through team-building, mentoring, and inclusive leadership.

• Respond to challenges early, with empathy and practical support.

• Celebrate individuality, allowing young people to bring their whole selves to work or school.

We could all be better at listening, and according to Marc Brackett (2025), and this is what young people say they want us to do.

What Else Can You Do?

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue - it’s a community and responsibility. By reimagining our workplaces, schools, and community spaces as places of connection and care, we can help people to thrive. If you work in the hospitality industry, and want some practical advice and tips, check out @hospo.health.tha

Another practical step is to complete a Mental Health First Aid Course. This evidence-based training equips you with the skills to recognise early signs of mental health problems and respond with confidence and care. It’s a valuable tool for anyone working with or alongside people, and a powerful way to build a culture of support.

Want to boost your skills in Mental Health First Aid with a focus on supporting young people? Book into a public course starting soon

Let’s make our spaces not just safe, but places where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered!

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing: 2020–2022. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release

Mental Health First Aid Australia. (2024). Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Overview. https://mhfa.com.au

HOSPO Health. (2024). Health and Wellbeing Framework for the Hospitality Industry. Tasmania: HOSPO Health.

Marc Breckett. (2025). Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Wellbeing and Success. Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence, International Mental Health Conference, Gold Coast, 4th & 5th June.

National Mental Health Commission. (2024). Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces. Sydney: NMHC.

Nebbs, T., Martin, A., & Caple, D. (2023). Core Principles for Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Prevent, Promote, Respond. In: HOSPO Health Framework, Tasmania.