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An employer that provided access to trained counsellors during the pandemic is now making them even more accessible by stationing them inside departments.

Western Health, a Victorian service that provided inpatient care for nearly half (46%) of the nation's COVID-19 cases during the first two waves of the pandemic, was quick to recognise in 2020 the importance of providing additional, strategic support to its clinical and clerical staff.

Since then, data audits, interviews and a survey have found its initiatives improved employees' mental health and relationships with colleagues, along with their ability to do their work, and their ability to cope with COVID-related stress and anxiety.

The survey, completed between December 2020 and March 2021 by more than 900 employees, found 86% were aware of the wellness initiatives – which ranged from daily staff briefings and CEO forums to wellbeing updates and "wellness hubs" – but only 43% had used them. Of those who had used the initiatives, most (78%) said they'd use them again...