Recognise, Respond, Refer: Turning Mental Health Awareness into Team Results
Mental health awareness is a great first step—but awareness alone won’t change much if it isn’t paired with action.
In Australian workplaces under constant pressure to hit targets, the real shift happens when leaders and teams know how to move from “I think something’s wrong” to “Here’s how we can support you.” That’s where Recognise, Respond, Refer comes in—three simple actions that can turn a struggling team into one that thrives.
Step 1: Recognise – Spot the Signs Early
It starts with paying attention.
Changes in behaviour, dips in performance, withdrawal from social interactions, uncharacteristic irritability—these are often early signs of mental distress. But in a fast-paced environment, they’re easy to miss or dismiss.
When leaders and peers are trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), they’re better equipped to notice subtle changes and connect the dots before things spiral.
Step 2: Respond – Have the Right Conversation
Recognising is useless without responding.
This means starting a private, compassionate conversation that focuses on listening without judgment. It’s not about diagnosing or offering quick fixes—it’s about creating space for someone to open up.
Simple phrases like:
“I’ve noticed you seem under a lot of pressure lately. How are you doing?”
“You don’t seem yourself—do you want to talk?”
These small openings can lead to life-changing support.
Step 3: Refer – Connect to the Right Help
Once you’ve opened the door, the next step is to guide them towards professional help.
That might mean:
Referring to your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Suggesting they speak with their GP or a counsellor
Offering information about support lines like Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
This step ensures the support continues beyond the initial conversation—because your role is to guide, not carry the weight alone.
Why This Translates to Team Results
A workplace that practices Recognise, Respond, Refer benefits in ways the balance sheet can measure:
Higher engagement—people feel valued and supported
Lower turnover—less talent walking out the door due to unmanaged stress
Improved collaboration—teams work better when trust and care are part of the culture
Sustained productivity—issues are addressed before they derail performance
The Takeaway
Mental health awareness is the spark.
Recognise, Respond, Refer is the engine that turns it into action—and results.
When leaders and teams are trained and confident to take these steps, you don’t just protect mental wellbeing—you unlock the kind of trust, energy, and resilience that fuels long-term success.