“Do I feel safe here?” Organisational climate and mental health peer support worker experience

Abstract Background In Australia, lived experience peer support workforces are expanding making it one of the fastest growing emerging disciplines in transdisciplinary mental health settings. This article provides insight for organisations on the contextual realities peer workers face, increases understanding of peer support services to improve service delivery environments and contribute to mental health systems reform. This study aimed to qualitatively explore peer support workers experience integrating into and working within transdisciplinary mental health service teams. Method Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 peer support workers currently working in mental health services in Australia. The research was a qualitative descriptive study design. All data collected were analysed utilising thematic analysis. Results Peer workers found their experience in the workplace was influenced by their colleagues and the organisations understanding of the peer support role. Factors relating to organisational culture and climate were a central theme throughout discussions noting that a negative climate was perceived as harmful to peer workers. Influences between positive and negative experiences by peer workers included the role of leadership, attitudes and behaviours of colleagues, provision of psychologically safe environments, the organisations messaging and use of language and organisational structures and policy. Conclusion This study contributes to evidence for the impact of organisational culture on integrating and supporting peer support workers in mental health service delivery. This study provides insights into peer worker experiences of the workforce, highlighting positive and negative impacts of organisational culture and climate on acceptance and integration of peer support roles in transdisciplinary settings.