MineLife Balance Initiative

Stronger Together: Work, Play, Thrive

 What is the MineLife Balance
Initiative?

The MineLife Balance Initiative is not just a program; it's a commitment to our employees' health, happiness, and
productivity. By nurturing known preventative measures and lifestyle interventions for poor mental health, we are
paving the way for a healthier, balanced, and safer future in the mining industry.

Build Mental Health Resilience through

• Positive organisation culture
• Work-Life Balance (family friendly rosters, even-time rosters)
• Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Social Connection
• Active Afternoon Advantage
 Mental Health in Mining

The mining industry in Australia sees higher rates of mental health issues and psychological distress among the workforce compared to the general population (Tynan
et al., 2018).
 Organisational impacts of poor
mental health

The impact of poor mental health in the mining industry extends far beyond the individual worker. It can contribute to a range of negative
outcomes:
• Increased safety incidents and accidents
• Errors in judgment and impaired decision-making
• Decreased productivity and presenteeism (reduced productivity while at work)
• Higher rates of absenteeism
• Increased workplace injuries
• Higher employee turnover and intention to leave the job
• Burnout and emotional exhaustion among workers
• Increased compensation claims related to mental health issues
• Higher risk of suicide among mining workers
• Legal liabilities and potential litigation for companies
• Financial costs to companies from absenteeism, presenteeism, and compensation claims
• Physical symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss, and insomnia
 Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance initiatives in the mining industry are crucial for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that promotes overall
well-being.
One of the most effective strategies is the implementation of family-friendly rosters, such as the 8 days on/6 days off or even-time rosters (e.g., 1
week on/1 week off). These rosters ensure that employees have ample time to maintain strong personal connections and achieve a healthy
balance between work and life commitments

Benefits
• increase quality of life for employees
• increase job satisfaction
• reduce absenteeism
• improved workplace morale
• lower turnover rates
• increase productivity

By prioritizing work-life balance through flexible scheduling, mining companies can create a more resilient and engaged workforce, ultimately
contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of their operations.
 Nutrition and Physical Fitness
Proper nutrition and regular exercise are key pillars of the MineLife Balance initiative due to their profound impact on mental health.

• Balanced Diet: Rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, significantly improves mental well-being by reducing symptoms
of depression and anxiety, enhancing cognitive function, and stabilizing mood.
• Brain Health: Nutrient-dense foods promote the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, crucial for regulating
mood and emotional responses.
• Regular Exercise: Proven to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise releases
endorphins and other 'feel-good' chemicals in the brain, improving mood and managing stress naturally.
By incorporating these elements, the MineLife Balance initiative creates a supportive environment that enhances both physical and mental
resilience, ensuring a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce
 Active Afternoon Advantage
The Active Afternoon Advantage is an innovative incentive program that encourages mining workers to prioritize their physical and mental well-being
by participating in group sports and recreational activities.
Under this initiative, employees who actively engage in sports like soccer, mixed netball, or low-impact activities such as lawn bowls during their swing
are rewarded with an early knock-off to particpate in whatever league they choose.
• This incentive program offers numerous benefits for both the employees and the mining organization:
• Improved physical health: Participating in group sports and physical activities helps mining workers maintain their fitness levels, reducing the risk
of injuries and health issues associated with sedentary lifestyles.
• Enhanced mental well-being: Engaging in recreational activities provides a much-needed break from the demanding and often stressful mining
environment, promoting stress relief, improved mood, and overall mental resilience.
• Fostering social connections: Group sports encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and social interactions among employees, fostering a sense of
community and support within the mining workforce.
• Work-life balance: By offering an early knock-off incentive, the Active Afternoon Advantage program acknowledges the importance of work-life
balance, allowing employees to dedicate more time to personal pursuits, family, and leisure activities.
• Increased productivity: Healthier and happier employees are more likely to be engaged, focused, and productive in their work, ultimately benefiting
the mining organization's overall performance and output.
 Social Connection
The MineLife Balance Initiative recognizes the importance of social connections in promoting overall well-being and
fostering a positive organizational culture. To encourage social bonding and camaraderie among employees,
The initiative emphasizes:
• the organization of regular recreational activities
• community engagement events.
• Soccer tournaments, trivia nights, and other group activities
• Active Afternoon Advantage

Additionally, the initiative aims to facilitate the formation of employee clubs and interest groups, allowing individuals
with shared hobbies or passions to connect and engage in meaningful social interactions.

By creating avenues for social connection, the MineLife Balance Initiative aims to combat feelings of isolation and
loneliness, which can often be exacerbated in the mining industry's remote work environments. Ultimately, these social
initiatives contribute to a supportive and inclusive organizational culture, fostering a more engaged, motivated, and
resilient workforce.
 Expected Outcomes
the MineLife Balance initiative is expected to yield significant benefits for mine-site employees, the organization, and the broader community by promoting
health, safety, productivity, and sustainability

• Enhanced Employee Well-being: The initiative's focus on proper nutrition, regular exercise, and family-friendly rosters is expected to significantly improve
the mental and physical health of mine-site employees.

• Increased Productivity: By promoting a healthier lifestyle and work-life balance, employees are likely to experience reduced symptoms of depression and
anxiety, leading to improved cognitive function and mood stabilization. This, in turn, can enhance focus, decision-making, and overall productivity at the
mine site,

• Reduced Safety Incidents: The initiative's emphasis on physical health initiatives and early knock-offs for sports participation could lead to increased
alertness and reduced fatigue among workers. This is expected to decrease the likelihood of accidents and injuries on site.

• Lower Absenteeism and Turnover: Implementing family-friendly rosters and promoting a supportive work environment are likely to increase job
satisfaction and employee retention. Workers with a better work-life balance are less likely to take unscheduled time off and more likely to remain with the
company long-term, reducing turnover costs.

• Positive Organizational Culture: Regular social and recreational activities, such as soccer tournaments and trivia nights, are expected to foster camaraderie
and a sense of community among employees. This positive organizational culture can contribute to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Stronger Together: Work, Play,
Thrive

questions?