Why Should I Invest in Mental Wellbeing Initiatives in the Workplace?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. But WHO also found that for every $1 spent on treating common mental health concerns, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.

According to the Society for Human Resources Management, many employers are enhancing emotional and mental health benefits. Types of support can range from managing stress, to treating invisible disabilities such as anxiety and depression.

This is the twenty-first century we are dwelling in and the workplace environment are consistently evolving and advancing. They are not only evolving in terms of technology or innovation, but they are also expanding massively in terms of culture. Today’s organizational re embracing a multicultural work pool with a large percentage of workforces which is actually great for employees to progress and learn.

A mentally healthy workplace reduces costs.

• Mental health conditions which are left untreated, cost Australian employers $10.9 billion every year through absenteeism, reduced productivity, and compensation claims.
• Other effects of a mentally unhealthy workplace include poor morale and staff engagement, high staff turnover and potential penalties for breaches of work health and safety legislation.
• The business’s reputation is also at risk among potential clients, customers, and employees.

So what makes a workplace a mentally healthy one?

Mentally healthy workplaces often share the following common factors:

• They have a positive culture where everyone feels supported and valued.
• Mental health risks such as stress, heavy workload and communication is managed effectively.
• Those suffering from mental health conditions are supported.
• They have a zero-tolerance approach for all discrimination.

Some Facts:

• Approximately 45% of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Anxiety and depression being the most common and often experienced during their prime working years.
• At any given time, around one in five Australian employees is experiencing a mental health condition, making it imperative for organisations to take action to promote good mental health practices in the workplace and support those employees.
• Around 90% of employees think mental health is an important issue for businesses, but only 50% believe their workplace is mentally healthy.

Creating and promoting a mentally healthy workplace does not have to be a difficult task. Our service suite includes a range of Mental Health Training programs that can be tailored to meet the needs of your business as we understand that every workplace is different and our Employee Assistance Program to help you create your resilient workforce.

Our tailored services and solutions help your organisation become mentally healthy and reduce costs associated with poor mental health outcomes in the workplace. Contact us today to see how we can help your business.

Actevate provides comprehensive workplace health systems that prevent physical and mental workplace injuries, reduce the impact of injuries and assist employers meet their OH&S, Legal and Injury Management obligations