In the high-performance world of corporate Australia, productivity has long been king. But as the workplace continues to evolve – alongside a growing body of research on psychological wellbeing – things are changing. More than ever, businesses are recognising that protecting mental health isn’t just a personal concern but a professional imperative. And now, legislation is catching up.

Earlier this year, the Victorian Government introduced new psychological health regulations under WorkSafe Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. These “New Rules to Protect Workers’ Mental Health” mark a critical milestone in workplace governance, placing clear responsibilities

on employers to identify and manage psychosocial hazards with the same diligence as physical risks.

At 101 Collins, tenant organisations are not only complying with new governance requirements, they’re helping to shape what best practice looks like in mental health and workplace culture. From law firms to investment bodies, businesses are embedding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training as a foundational layer of their employee wellbeing strategies.

For Gilbert + Tobin, MHFA training has become a cultural cornerstone. “In a high-performing legal environment, I see first-hand how critical it is to support not just productivity, but the overall wellbeing of our people,” says Jenita Harrison, HR Manager at Gilbert + Tobin. “With the legal profession carrying a known risk of stress and burnout, it’s not enough to talk about wellbeing, we need visible, informed support embedded in our day-to-day culture.”

Since completing MHFA training alongside 13 partners and staff, Harrison has seen a tangible shift in office dynamics. Conversations around mental health have become more open, and a greater willingness to check in on colleagues is now part of daily interactions.

“The course was both enlightening and empowering. It reminded me that the most meaningful support often comes from the simplest actions: showing up, listening without judgment, and being someone others can trust,” Harrison adds. “It’s helped us move beyond awareness into genuine action.”

Meanwhile, VFMC (Victorian Funds Management Corporation) has also embraced the MHFA model, training employees to provide peer-based psychological support as part of their wider health and governance strategy. For VFMC, the decision to invest in mental health training aligns with both their organisational values and their long-term business goals.

“Mental health first aid training is our commitment to supporting our employees holistically,” says Maree Squillacioti, Acting Head of People at VFMC. “Equipping our team with the skills and knowledge to help someone in their time of need doesn’t just benefit individuals, it enriches the culture of our organisation.”

VFMC’s accredited first aiders are now recognised points of contact for colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties, offering support, guiding them toward professional help where needed and helping destigmatise mental health in the process.

“It’s a vital step in creating a workplace culture that prioritises empathy, understanding, and swift action,” Squillacioti adds.

According to Mental Health First Aid International, over six million people are trained in Mental Health First Aid across 25 countries and adults who complete the 12-hour course (MHFAiders), are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

These initiatives are more than feel-good stories. They represent a strategic evolution in how leading businesses view governance. Psychological safety is now understood not just as a moral imperative, but as a measurable component of risk management, employee retention and sustainable performance. Mental Health First Aid sits at the intersection of culture and compliance, helping businesses meet regulatory expectations while enhancing their most valuable asset: their people.

In the coming months, as more organisations grapple with the implementation of WorkSafe Victoria’s new standards, those within 101 Collins offer a powerful blueprint: train early, support deeply and embed care into the very fabric of corporate culture.

If you’re interested in organising Mental Health First Aid Training for your 101 Collins workplace, contact rise@101collins.com.au for more information.