One in Five: Mental Wellness in the Workplace
From
20 second hand-washing guidelines to dreaded slips, trips, and falls: when we
think of safety, mental health is unlikely to be among our first concerns—however,
when one in five workers are affected, why are we not being
proactive about Mental Health?
It's important that we're proactive instead of reactive and work in a way that we can create systems to ensure that people can actually address some of their mental health issues and not feel that there is a stigma attached to it. - Janine Allis, Founder and Executive Director of Retail Zoo
The Australian Bureau of Statistics have stated that of the 7.9 million full-time employees in our country, 5 million will work above 40 hours per week and 1.6 million will work above 50 hours per week.
We lose sight of what is important in a consumer’s world; prioritising shareholders and—dare we dream—turning a profit. However, it is during your prime working years (ages 16-64) that you are most likely to experience some form of a mental health condition (most commonly anxiety and/or depression).
It’s no surprise then that one in five employees took time off work due to feeling mentally unwell. This research from HeadsUp in 2014 provided further insight, with almost half of these employees choosing not to disclose their reasons to anyone in their workplace.
So What?
Employers
have already been advised by Safe Work Australia that work, health and
safety laws also apply to psychological risks (as well as physical ones). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we
work and how we interact with the world. People are also dealing with new
sources of stress—or are experiencing a sudden increase in stress—relating to
financial pressures, social isolation, and employment uncertainty.
It is crucial that our most
valued stakeholders feel comfortable talking about mental health within the
workplace. This year’s theme for Mental
Health Month October is ‘Tune In’. You
may have heard of mindfulness programs—apps and instructional guides designed
for individuals to take a moment; breathe, reorient, and refresh. ‘Tune In’ builds
upon these techniques as they have proven significantly successful in
workspaces, schools, and many other stress-prone environments.
Duty holders and Officers of
the business are required to take reasonably practicable steps ensuring employees,
contractors and other members of staff are working in a safe environment and
lowering the risk around physiological hazards. It is important to allow time
for your employees to take time off for their mental health and also provide an
appropriate work-life balance to manage this risk.
Consider This
Looking for ways to take action
within your business? Create an event for TuneIn, join HeadsUp or… stop
shaving! Coming up next month is the well-known event of Movember. Start a conversation with your colleagues and
promote awareness and acceptance through a facial hair statement. Or, if growing a moustache isn’t enough, you
can participate in “Move for Movember” of host a “Mo-ment”. For the 60 men lost every hour to suicide
across the world, run or walk 60km over the entire month to show your support
or create an event to raise funds your own way.
Through these trying times, it is
always important that people in and outside your business know there is someone
to lend an ear. Victual can assist the business in adding a Health and
Wellbeing action plan and a WHS approach to Mental Health. Reach out to Victual
on 1300 72 255 or visit our website.
Join the conversation: “How
COVID-19 has affected mental health in your workplace”.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing or exhibiting
signs of emotional distress, please contact Lifeline’s 24-hour telephone
counselling service—free and confidential. Phone 13 11 14 or Visit www.lifeline.org.au/
For more information and resources:
·
Mental Health Month October
·
Safe Work
Australia
·
Janine
Allis’ Interview with HeadsUp
·
Movember – Get
Involved!