At Stanwell, safety isn't just about preventing injuries – it’s about creating a workplace where people feel genuinely supported in every aspect of their lives. That means recognising that mental, emotional and physical wellbeing are just as important as traditional safety measures.

Under our ‘Safe Today, Better Tomorrow’ vision, Stanwell is embedding psychosocial wellbeing into its safety approach, ensuring that our people don’t just feel safe at work, but feel valued, supported, and able to bring their best selves to work each day.

“Psychosocial wellbeing in the workplace refers to the overall mental, emotional and social health of our employees within their work environment,” says Kirsten Williams, Health, Safety & Environment Manager – Wellbeing.

“It’s about fostering a positive, supportive and respectful environment where people can thrive – not just professionally, but personally too.”

A workplace that supports every aspect of wellbeing

Stanwell’s approach to wellbeing extends beyond traditional safety measures, focusing on key areas that help people stay happy, healthy, and engaged at work and at home.

Mental health support: Help when you need it

Stanwell makes sure our people have 24/7 access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), TELUS Health and counselling services, Bunyarra Wellbeing Co. Employees can access confidential counselling, coaching, and educational resources whenever they need them.

“The increase in employees using these services tells us that people are feeling more comfortable seeking support,” Kirsten says. “We’re working to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage everyone to reach out when they need to.”

Stanwell has also partnered with Mates in Energy, an initiative focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“Mates in Energy provides training that helps employees recognise when their colleagues might be struggling and equips them with the tools to offer support,” Kirsten explains. “It’s about making sure no one feels like they have to go through tough times alone.”

Flexible work and leave: Supporting work-life balance

Life doesn’t stop when you clock in, and Stanwell understands that our people have commitments outside of work. That’s why we offer flexible work arrangements, reproductive health leave and generous parental leave to help employees balance their responsibilities.

“These initiatives have been well received, and they show that when we support our employees in their personal lives, they’re happier and more engaged at work,” Kirsten says.

For employees like Michael Flynn, these policies have made a world of difference. Michael took three months as the primary carer for his son, Maxwell, giving his wife the opportunity to focus on her career.

“Having this time with Maxwell was incredible,” Michael says. “Stanwell’s support meant I could be there for those early days, and that made a huge difference for our family.”

Physical wellbeing: Encouraging healthy lifestyles

Stanwell encourages our people to look after their physical health by offering:

Free annual skin checks to detect early signs of skin cancer.

Flu vaccinations to protect against seasonal illness.

Fitness Passport memberships, providing access to over 425 gyms, pools, and leisure centres.

InBody Composition Analyser machines at all Stanwell sites, helping employees track key health metrics.

Financial wellbeing: Reducing stress and building security

Money worries can be a major source of stress, so Stanwell is committed to helping our people feel financially secure.

That’s why Stanwell has partnered with Money101, an online financial wellbeing program providing educational resources on budgeting, superannuation, and financial planning.

“We’ve seen themes from our EAP services indicating that money and financial concerns are contributing to overall stress, which demonstrates how important financial security is to overall wellbeing,” Kirsten says. “By giving people access to financial education and support, we’re helping them take control of their future.”

Embedding wellbeing in workplace culture

Wellbeing isn’t just about the benefits Stanwell offers our people – it’s embedded in the way the company operates.

“It’s not just about having programs in place,” Kirsten says. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected and included, and comfortable reaching out for help when they need it."

Some of the ways Stanwell fosters a culture of wellbeing include:

Strong leadership commitment, ensuring that respect and support come from the top down.

A focus on diversity and inclusion, making sure all of our people feel valued and respected.

Mental health awareness training, helping employees support each other and normalise conversations around mental health.

Regular employee feedback, through Equity, Diversity & Inclusion focus groups and HSE Committees, to ensure continuous improvement.

Stanwell is committed to continually evolving our wellbeing strategy. “Stanwell’s ‘Safe Today, Better Tomorrow’ vision provides a strong foundation for continuous growth and improvement,” Kirsten says.

Ultimately, Kirsten encourages employees to engage with available wellbeing resources, and take advantage of the benefits on offer.

“Keep a focus on MyNews, GenNet and Stanwell social media pages to stay across what’s available to you,” Kirsten advises, “and take advantage of as many initiatives as possible.”

By focusing on real, human wellbeing, not just policies and procedures, Stanwell is ensuring that our people feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive – today, and well into the future.