Rae Bonney OAM

Workplace Mental Health, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist, Australia

Title: Creating environments that support good mental health and wellbeing within mostly male dominated workplaces in Australia

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Biography

Rae Bonney, an Australian workplace mental health specialist and men's health advocate, was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2025 for her impactful work in mental health. Specializing in crisis and trauma management, Rae collaborates with businesses to foster psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel supported and valued. Through her roles with the Australian Men’s Health Forum and Global Action on Men’s Health, she advocates for policies addressing systemic inequities in men’s health. Rae also hosts a podcast focused on mental health and wellbeing.

Abstract

Background:

In Australia, blue-collar workers, predominantly male, face a higher risk of preventable health issues, including suicide, alcohol-related deaths, and workplace accidents. Men are less likely to seek help, often due to societal stereotypes about masculinity, which can hinder health-promoting behaviors.

Aim:

The goal is to create healthier work environments by encouraging men to access mental health support and breaking the stigma around men's issues such as post-natal depression, body image, and domestic violence. Promoting positive change within male-dominated workplaces is crucial to improving health outcomes.

Methodology:

A custom-designed presentation based on a framework developed over 10 years was delivered to 145 male workers, including 60% managers, in a blue-collar setting. The 1–2-hour sessions combined storytelling, lived experience, research, and self-help models to engage participants.

Results:

• Positive shift in participants’ comfort addressing mental health.
• Participants valued self-management tools, kindness, and listening.
• High demand for more sessions and better mental health support.
• At least 5 lives saved.

Conclusion:

This approach reduces stigma, unconscious bias, and promotes mental health awareness in workplaces. By emphasizing mental health as everyone’s responsibility, employees are empowered to create a safer, more supportive environment. The message is clear: creating better lives for men benefits all, with the potential for lifesaving impact across the workforce.