Finding a Job
A range of diverse employment services and funded programs are available to assist you in finding a sustainable job. Through coaching and guidance, we can help you to access opportunities and overcome challenges to achieve your goals.
Working provides far more than just a pay cheque, it helps shape our identity and contributes significantly to our overall well-being, especially our mental health. According to our recent WorkWatch Report, 30% of our job seekers from the June 2024 Quarter required help with their mental health. This highlights the crucial role of work in supporting mental health. We’ve previously explored strategies to maintain mental health and build resilience throughout a job search, click here to view. Today, we discover the multitude of benefits employment itself can contribute to positive mental health.
Creating Connections
There is no doubt that human connections play a major role in maintaining mental well-being. Positive relationships have been linked with lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships[1]. For many, the workplace is a perfect environment to meet new people, create connections and expand your social circle.
While strong social connections are essential for mental well-being, meeting new people and forming friendships can be a daunting task. It can be challenging in your adult life to know where and how to meet new people and make new friends. The workplace can break down these barriers, providing an environment that is comfortable and safe, allowing these relationships to develop more naturally over time.
These new relationships can bring a sense of belonging and acceptance into your work environment. This can improve job satisfaction and enthusiasm for your work and in turn, helps your motivation and progression. Relationships can also provide a valuable support system, for when you need help at work, advice, or simply a chat. Your co-workers often become close and trusted peers that can be a valuable resource and advocate for your mental health.
Finding your Rhythm
Having a job brings routine and structure into our life. Whether its set hours or days you are working, or just getting into the habit of planning life around work, the stability employment provides can contribute positively to our wellbeing. This stability may also benefit other areas of our lives, such as relationships, personal fulfilment and even our health.
Employment can also provide a sense of purpose, a reason to start your day or to be productive. Your job can often be a significant part of your identity, and many people take pride in their work, feeling excited to share their experiences with others. Working also provides a sense of responsibility and commitment which can help keep you focused and motivated, especially when you feel a sense of ownership over your work.
Building Self-Belief
Employment provides a large scope of learning opportunities to develop your skills and abilities, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Whether it's mastering a new task, creating a new process, or overcoming a challenging problem, these feelings of accomplishment can have a significant positive impact on your mental health.
Along with your own feelings of self-belief and confidence, receiving positive feedback and praise from your managers and co-workers can also play a crucial role in reinforcing your positive self-image. This recognition can boost your motivation and increase your job satisfaction, helping you feel valued, appreciated and part of the team.
Financial Stability
It’s no surprise that financial stress can significantly impact your mental health, leading to a multitude of challenges. Having a job and a regular income can provide a crucial safety net, easing the burden of financial worries. This can open doors to greater independence and freedom, allowing you to manage debts, save and plan for the future, pursue personal goals and passions and participate in social activities, all of which contribute to your improved mental health and overall well-being.
Financial stability can also positively impact the people around you and your relationships. As discussed, people are an important piece of the puzzle in maintaining a healthy mental wellbeing. When you are able to contribute to your household or provide for your family, it can alleviate stress, strengthen your relationships, and boost your self-esteem. Feeling valued and appreciated by loved ones can have a profound positive effect on your mental health.
Personal Growth
Having a job provides benefits beyond just the workplace. New experiences, exposure to different people, and the challenges you face at work can shape and change your outlook. It can set you on a path of personal development and bring a fresh perspective to you and those around you.
Additionally, employment provides a platform for developing valuable transferable life skills, such as goal setting, problem-solving, decision-making, and building relationships. These skills can help you overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop a positive outlook. By recognising the value of these, we can appreciate the significant impact that work has on our mental health.
Workskil Australia customer Joseph has experienced the life-changing impacts of finding the right job, and team, for him. Click here to read his story.
Don’t Forget
Whilst working has many positive benefits to your mental health, balance is key. Creating a good work life balance is crucial to maintaining your mental wellbeing. Avoid overloading your work schedule or working lots of overtime, put in place clear boundaries between work and home and prioritise self-care. Ensuring you maintain this balance can greatly help your mental health and wellbeing.
Need a Helping Hand in your Job Search?
Our team is here to provide personalised support and resources, no matter where you are in your job hunt journey. We understand that finding the right job or study pathway can have its challenges, and we're committed to supporting you throughout this process, even after you secure employment. We also offer dedicated support for our customers facing mental health challenges. Click here to contact our team and discover how we can help you achieve your employment and education goals.
Further Support
If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, please visit our resource hub for more information.
[1] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-strong-health#bhc-content
