Ricki and Acumen Health

Mental health challenges in the workplace can affect anyone, whether due to injury, stress, or personal circumstances.

At SPL Laundry in Cairns, one employee’s experience highlights how professional support can make a meaningful difference.

Ricki had been off work for a period, focusing on recovery.

“I sort of just wanted to do as I can to get back on my feet again,” he shared.

Returning to work after an injury can be daunting, especially when uncertainty clouds the path forward. That’s where Acumen Health stepped in.

Acumen Health provides workplace injury management and mental health support services. Their approach is evidence-based, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

“We come on site, we assess what the job requirements are,” explained Marion, a health professional with Acumen.

“We find out information about the worker, their role, their injury… and we help bring that all together for a process and a set of solutions that are going to work for that particular context.”

For Ricki, this meant having someone to guide him through the return-to-work process.

“I wouldn't have got through without her and this program and the schedule as it is,” he said.

“If she wouldn't have been there, I wouldn't have had that sort of guidance that everybody needs when you're injured.”

The impact extended beyond Ricki. Andrew, a manager at SPL, noted, “Returning an employee to work can be a very time-consuming and intensive process.

“Marion's been excellent at taking that off my hands and giving us a professional process that’s the best for Ricki.”

The service also supported compliance and communication.

“Marion’s advice and support around compliance and suitable duties was excellent.” Andrew added.

Throughout the process, collaboration was key.

“We always work with the employers,” Marion said. “The team at SPL has been great. They’ve been so interested in being involved and finding the best solutions for their worker and for the workplace.”

“It makes me proud,” Marion reflected. “To have been part of assisting Ricki… this is the stuff we come to work for.”

Ricki’s story is one of many that show how professional mental health and injury management services can strengthen workplace culture.

By supporting individuals with care and expertise, businesses can foster resilience, improve morale, and create environments where people feel safe to recover and thrive.