Workplaces are increasingly providing support for people suffering from mental illness. Photo: Supplied
Finding ways of reducing stressors in the workplace that negatively impact mental health is not just good for employees – it’s good for business.
A workplace health and safety conference in Brisbane this week will hear that one in six working-aged Australians is living with a mental illness, at a cost of $11 billion per year to business.
Head of Research and Development (Workforce) for beyondblue Nick Arvanitis is one of the guest speakers at Safety in Action, which is expected to draw 2500 attendees to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
He said a 2014 national survey found there was still a huge stigma attached to mental health issues at work.
“About two-thirds of people we surveyed said there was no way they would ever disclose they had a mental health condition to their manager or employer,” Mr Arvanitis said.
“There are still some significant concerns among employees that if they do disclose they’ll be discriminated against or not supported within the workplace.”
He said beyondblue’s Heads Up initiative was designed to build more mentally healthy workplaces by encouraging bosses to be more active in recognising pressure points.
“Increased globalisation has led to increased demands, and it just seems there is always more to do with fewer and fewer resources,” he said.
“The changing nature of work and influence of technology has meant employees often feel an expectation to be available outside their traditional hours.”
Mr Arvantis said many workplaces had employee assistance programs for counselling or flexible time in place, which was a great start.
“What we’re encouraging employers to think about is what they can do from a workplace flexibility, or design perspective so that we’re not getting to the point where more and more is asked of employees,” he said.
“Issues like bullying, discrimination, chronically heavy workloads, pressing timelines – all those stressors that can at some point become too unreasonable for employees.”
But Mr Arvantis said the onus for a happy workplace wasn’t just on employers and bosses.
“We understand there’s a power imbalance but in those instances where there are obvious risk factors stressors or inappropriate behaviour, employees should alert their HR or workplace health and safety people.
“There are also many employees out there that are willing to take on the role of advocates, and we’d encourage them to disclose problems if they feel they’re going to be supported.
“It’s very much a shared responsibility.”
Safety in Action will be held on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 April at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.