MHFA Workplace Recognition Program
A practical, evidence-based pathway to strengthen workplace mental health capability, culture and leadership.
Recognising commitment. Building capability. Creating change.
The Workplace Recognition Program is a national framework that recognises and supports organisations building mentally healthy workplaces through Mental Health First Aid.
Designed to strengthen workplace culture and capability, the program helps organisations embed mental health into everyday practice, equip employees with practical support skills, and demonstrate a clear commitment to wellbeing.
Through a structured, evidence-informed recognition model, organisations are supported to build capability over time – from foundational action through to sector leadership – while gaining recognition for measurable progress and impact.
The program has delivered strong impact across Australian workplaces:
Recognised Workplaces
Trained MHFAiders
Industries Represented
Why join the program?
Mental health is a critical part of workplace culture, psychological safety and employee wellbeing.
Organisations are increasingly required to move beyond intent and demonstrate meaningful, practical action. The challenge is often knowing where to begin or how to build momentum.
The Workplace Recognition Program helps organisations:
✓ Build workforce capability through Mental Health First Aid
✓ Strengthen psychologically safe workplace culture
✓ Support early conversations and help-seeking
✓ Demonstrate leadership and commitment to wellbeing
✓ Gain formal recognition and visibility for meaningful action and impact.
Whether you’re starting out or strengthening existing initiatives, the program provides a clear pathway to demonstrate leadership in workplace mental health.
How the program works
Centred around Mental Health First Aid and aligned to workplace mental health best practice, the program combines:
✓ A tiered recognition framework
✓ A fee for service, with NFP bursaries and discounts available
✓ Clear criteria based on MHFA workforce participation and actions
✓ A clear pathway to support progression
✓ Practical implementation guidance and resources
✓ Public recognition of your organisation’s commitment and impact.
This program is free for education settings (early education, schools and tertiary institutions).
Join the MHFA Workplace Recognition Program to benefit from:
Workforce capability
Build confidence and skills through MHFA training.
Strengthened workplace culture
Support psychologically safer and more connected workplaces.
Embedded workplace action
Turn mental health legislation into consistent everyday practice.
Recognition and leadership
Demonstrate commitment to workplace mental health leadership.
Recognition tiers
The Workplace Recognition Program provides the pathway to building a workplace where people feel supported, safe, and able to have meaningful conversation about mental health.
Tier 1 – Skilled
Build strong foundations and develop workforce capability.
Tier 2 – Advanced
Embed mentally healthy practices across teams and workplace culture.
Tier 3 – Master
Demonstrate leadership and showcase long-term impact and commitment.
Ready to get started?
Complete this form and speak to one of our team about how to get started with the Workplace Recognition Program.
Learn more about the program
Who is the program for?
The program is designed for organisations of all sizes and sectors looking to strengthen workplace mental health capability and culture.
Is this a paid program?
Yes. The Workplace Recognition Program is a paid initiative that provides participating organisations with structured support, resources, recognition opportunities, and access to exclusive benefits.
What does participation include?
Participation includes access to the recognition framework, implementation support, resources, guidance, recognition assets, and exclusive opportunities depending on your recognition tier.
How long does recognition last?
Recognition periods, renewal requirements, and ongoing benefits will vary depending on the tier and participation level.
Are bursaries or sponsorship opportunities available?
Limited bursary or discounted opportunities may be available for eligible not-for-profit organisations, schools, or community groups. Speak with our team to learn more.
What is the recognition criteria?
Any Australian-based workplace or worksite – including multi-site organisations and individual workplace departments – with a minimum of five full time equivalent (FTE) staff can apply. Workplaces are assessed based on:
- the percentage of staff trained
- the successful implementation of ‘actions’ in the workplace to support mental health first aid.
Refer to our Workplace Recognition Program flyer to learn more about the requirements, criteria and actions required for each recognition tier.
What is the application schedule?
You can apply at any time, but applications are assessed and recognised at the beginning of each quarter as follows:
- Q1: Applications received between September to November: Recognition from 1 January
- Q2: Applications received between December to February: Recognition from 1 April
- Q3: Applications received between March to May: Recognition from 1 July
- Q4: Applications received between June to August: Recognition from 1 October
Investing in mental health is good for business.
$11 billion per year
The cost of inaction on businesses due to absenteeism, presenteeism and compensation claims.
$200–200 billion per year
Estimated cost to Australia of mental health and suicide.
Workplace mental health initiatives
Improve absenteeism, presenteeism and productivity.
