Interuniversity synergy on workplace wellbeing and productivity: Bridging minds, building futures

This project, a pioneering collaboration between Monash University and the University of Warwick, aims to address the global challenge of improving workplace mental health, well-being, and productivity. With mental health issues increasing and impacting personal and organisational well-being, this partnership seeks to leverage Warwick’s extensive experience in workplace wellbeing programs and Monash’s initiative to establish a National Centre for Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing. Together, the two institutions will explore new approaches to workplace mental health that enhance productivity, boost community well-being, and drive sustainable economic growth.

This collaboration builds on Warwick’s Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) program, which has supported industries in the Midlands region for four years with the support of mental health charity Mind. Meanwhile, Monash is developing a similar national initiative and collaborating across academia, industry, and unions to create a working model for mental health in Australian workplaces. Through this strategic partnership, Monash and Warwick are committed to sharing best practices, combining their networks, and developing innovative, evidence-based strategies that foster better mental health in the workplace. Regular exchanges—such as visits and webinars—have already strengthened the partnership, laying a foundation for impactful future collaboration.

A transdisciplinary approach underpins this project, blending knowledge from psychology, economics, and health sciences to develop insights beyond traditional academic boundaries. By uniting their diverse expertise, researchers from both universities aim to create comprehensive mental health frameworks adaptable to various professional environments. These insights will support new policy development and provide practical solutions for improving employee well-being, mainly through policy recommendations and structured support for industries and communities.

The project’s impact goes beyond theoretical models. The collaboration aims to engage government, industry, and community stakeholders in actionable conversations on workplace wellbeing by highlighting the productivity benefits of mental health support. A forthcoming event, bringing together an extensive network of stakeholders, including policymakers and business leaders, will showcase both universities’ findings and align objectives to secure external funding. This event will significantly ensure the federal support required for Monash’s National Centre, demonstrating the power of a cross-institutional, cross-sectoral alliance.

This collaboration can drive long-term, sustainable change in workplace mental health internationally. The project’s framework will create a lasting resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and institutions worldwide, influencing policy and practice. By addressing workplace mental health at a government level in the UK and Australia, this partnership is positioned to effect positive change, supporting more inclusive, healthy, and productive workplaces for the future.

Principle applicants

Professor Shantha Rajaratnam Head of School of Psychological Sciences School of Psychological Sciences Monash University	Dr Talar Moukhtarian Assistant professor Warwick Medical School University of Warwick

Co-applicants

Monash University

Dr Tracey Sletten,  School of Psychological Sciences

University of Warwick

Dr Amber Tout,  Warwick Medical School