Mental health a $20 billion issue wise management can’t avoid

MENTAL illness affects people from all walks of life and at any stage. Irrespective of our age, gender, race or socio-economic status any of us can experience it.

Mental illness affects people from all walks of life and at any stage. Irrespective of our age, gender, race or socioeconomic status, any of us can experience it.

One in five adults or 3.2 million Australians experience mental health problems in any year, and that also applies to the workforce.

Nearly half of the Australian adult population will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives.

Diminished work performance, morale and engagement, high rates of absenteeism and lost productivity are common and costly consequences of mental illness for many businesses.

According to the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, mental disorders cost the Australian economy an estimated $20 billion annually. Depression alone is reported to cost business $12.3bn a year.

Employers are wise to take steps to combat the effects of mental illness on their employees and business. Three critical ways employers can make a positive difference are to protect, educate and support their team. Protect people from harm, educate them about how to recognise mental illness and where help is available. Support people to manage the impact of mental illness and tap into the support they need.

While every employer has a legal obligation to provide a work environment free of risk to health and safety, it is also unquestionably the right thing to do. When consideration is given also to the impact of mental illness on productivity and performance it is clearly the wise thing to do.

Ensure the experiences people have at work positively affect their mental health and wellbeing. Create a respectful and compassionate workplace culture that inspires people to look after themselves and one another. Lead by example and hold people accountable for behaving respectfully.

Many people remain relatively uneducated about the signs of mental illness, how to deal with it and what to do when they become aware of it. An unfortunately all too common stigma associated with mental illness also stands in the way of many people getting the help they need.

Employers can play a powerful role in shifting the underlying ignorance that drives this stigma.

Share facts about mental health and illness, encourage people to ask questions and seek the information they need. Talk about the issue openly.

The more hidden mental illness remains, the more people will continue to believe that it is shameful and needs to be concealed. Enable healing by bringing the issue out into the light.

Dealing with mental illness begins with making it safe for people to speak openly.

Workplaces can create an environment in which people know they can ask for help. Surrounded by colleagues who care, people are likelier to acknowledge when they are struggling.

Supported by an employer who acts with compassion, people are likelier to ask for the help they need. What matters most is the attitude and approach an employer takes. Be willing to make adjustments or accommodate flexible work practices.

Karen Gately is a leadership and people-management specialist and a founder of Ryan Gately.
For more information and advice about mental illness:

www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline Australia: 131 114