Interuniversity synergy on workplace wellbeing and productivity: Bridging Minds, Building Futures

We propose an exciting and productive collaboration between University of Warwick (UoW) and Monash University to leverage our shared expertise and aligned research projects. Our aim is to create a dynamic and impactful cross-institutional programme, spearheaded by an event that will foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in the area of workplace mental health and wellbeing, and productivity. UoW has been leading on a large scale workplace wellbeing programme in the Midlands region for the last 4 years alongside other academic institutions, industry stakeholders and the mental health charity Mind (https://mhpp.me/). Monash university have set up a similar consortium called the National Centre for Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing, which was originally developed as a proposal for the Well and Productive CRC. Led by Professor Rajaratnam, the consortium has been working with businesses, academics and unions in preparation for a large nationwide centre bid (Well and Productive CRC | A working well Australia). With 2 visits to the UK already by Prof Rajaratnam (05-23, 08-23), and an online webinar (10-23) where researchers from UoW presented a summary of the MHPP programme, lessons learnt and next steps to the consortium, we are hoping to further develop this mutually beneficial working relationship between institutions, and create a dynamic and impactful knowledge sharing opportunities. This enhanced partnership will significantly improve our chances of securing external funding and advancing our impactful work in the critical area of workplace mental health and wellbeing.