26.09.25 • SEW-EURODRIVE Australia is now recognised as an Advanced Workplace with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia.

Celebrating our Advanced Workplace status with Mental Health First Aid Australia

Mental health should be prioritised as much as physical health, and over the years we’ve taken steps to build a culture that encourages open conversations, prioritises psychological safety, and gives our people access to the right support. A mentally healthy workplace leads to happier, more engaged employees, and ultimately, a more successful organisation.

A Supportive and Aware Culture

At SEW-EURODRIVE, we are striving towards creating a culture where our team are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to recognise and assist others who may be experiencing mental health problems. “We want to create an environment where mental health is part of everyday conversations, just like physical health,” says Brett van der Leest, HR Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Looking after our mental wellbeing is the right thing to do. We want our employees to feel supported and safe to speak up when they’re not feeling their best at work.”One of the key steps we took was investing in Mental Health First Aid Officers. These employees are trained to recognise the symptoms of mental health challenges and act as a first point of contact for colleagues who need a chat or some guidance. They help connect people to professional support or other workplace resources when needed.
“We’ve seen the difference Mental Health First Aid training makes,” Brett continues. “Having Mental Health First Aid Officers in the workplace has helped break down stigma and encourage early intervention. It ensures that employees know there is always someone they can turn to who understands and is ready to support them.”
Brett van der Leest
HR Manager In addition to training, we have taken further steps to normalise mental health discussions through incorporating wellbeing topics into team meetings and providing regular mental health awareness resources to employees. We understand that mental health is a journey, and we want to provide continuous education and support for our workforce.

The role of a Mental Health First Aid officer

Many SEW-EURODRIVE employees chose to complete the Mental Health First Aid training, with some volunteering to become one of our Mental Health First Aid Officers. Our employee’s decision to volunteer often stems from a personal passion for mental health awareness and assisting others around them. “I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aid Officer because I know how important it is to have someone who listens without judgment,” says Chris Smith, Mental Health First Aid Officer at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Sometimes, just having a conversation with someone who understands can make a huge difference. It’s rewarding to know that I can be there for my colleagues when they need support.”

How did we achieve this?

Reaching this milestone took a team effort and commitment, including:
  • Training: Over 20% of our workforce are trained in Mental Health First Aid
  • Leadership Buy-In: Our senior management team have actively backed our mental health initiatives, helping to create an open and supportive culture.
  • Wellbeing Programs: We focus on both the big and small details—our wellbeing initiatives are designed to provide meaningful support, from access to external support services to simple check-ins between colleagues.
  • An Inclusive and Safe Workplace: We encourage open conversations and make sure everyone feels comfortable asking for help without fear of judgment.

What's next?

We are proud to be recognised as an Advanced Workplace and understand that supporting mental health is an ongoing commitment. Our workplace remains dedicated to fostering a culture where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged to seek help when needed. We know that mental health initiatives must be consistently maintained and adapted to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.“Being recognised as an Advanced Workplace by MHFA Australia is a fantastic milestone,” says Brett. “I encourage other workplaces to take action because when we look after our people, we build a stronger, more sustainable business. Mental health is something that affects everyone, and the more we normalise conversations and provide genuine support, the better our workplaces will be.”

For more information on Mental Health First Aid Australia and how it can support workplaces, visit their website. Mental Health First Aid Australia Website marketing@sew-eurodrive.com.au