In 2016, Tradies entered into their 56th year in the NSW Registered Club Industry. Beginning as a small clubhouse in 1960, Tradies now owns three successful clubs which provide dining, beverage, entertainment, gaming and event facilities. Their purpose is ‘To Serve and Connect’ their community.

Tradies utilised a decentralised and flexible organisational structure that is constantly evolving with the growth and expansion of the organisation. Tradies’ key ingredient to success is their employees. While many organisations look for previous experience, talent and skills, Tradies looks for character and kindness. They hire people who are involved in the community through sport, charities and volunteering because they already share their purpose and genuinely relish the opportunities Tradies provide.

Tradies started its ‘employee wellbeing’ journey in 2013 with the introduction of an annual ‘Employee Wellbeing Day’. The days featured information regarding education, real estate, finance, fitness and nutrition. In 2014, they included a short presentation from a local psychologist who spoke about the importance of mental health. After finding out they had significant room for improvement, an Employee Wellbeing Committee was formed to devise a plan for improving mental health and wellbeing for employees. The committee focused on prevention and holistic emotional wellbeing, and formulated strategies focussed on engagement and proactive support, which was inspired by their research. The idea was to integrate mental health awareness into the workplace culture so that it became a natural part of the organisation vernacular.

Through this initiative, Tradies has strengthened connections between employees, managers and community. Mental Health is now seen as something they all have to look after, for themselves and for each other. Asking ‘are we ok?’ has become an ingrained part of their culture with a strong focus on interpersonal relationships within the team. The genuine concern and assistance is appreciated by employees, and because the management are genuine in their care, employees are genuine in their needs. Whether employees are with the company for long or short time, the mental health initiative is life-long and employees will take their attitude and skills for looking after their wellbeing with them wherever they go. The initiative positively impacted sick leave, profit and employee engagement.