Mental Illness @ Work
Recent research found employers are failing to acknowledge & address the mental health of their staff. As part of a SafeWork strategy, a group of experts identify construction & scientific industries as the worst offenders.
Mental Illness @ Work
SafeWork NSW research shows many employers neglect staff mental health, with the construction and scientific industries among the worst performers.
The NSW Mental Health Commission reports that 17% of people experience mental illness annually, with another 23% facing undiagnosed issues, impacting about 600,000 small business workers each year.
Evidence shows current workplace mental health programs focus on large organisations, overlooking the unique needs of small businesses.
A recent independent survey of more than 2000 employees across NSW businesses showed that close to one in five employers had only basic awareness of mental health issues and viewed mental health as an individual's responsibility and nearly 50% of the businesses in NSW have no procedures in place to handle situations related to mental health appropriately.
These findings are alarming considering mental illness is now the leading cause of long-term sickness absences among workers in the country. A person with a severe mental health condition can have up to 42 days off work, in addition to normal sick leave costing NSW employers an estimated $2.8 billion annually according to a 2014 PWC report.
Given the importance of mental health in terms of the human and financial cost to workplace safety and business profitability, it is pivotal to implement an effective management strategy regardless of the size of the business. It is also a legal obligation of employers to manage health and safety risks in the workplace, which includes mental health.
While traumatic events are unforeseen, employers and managers have a duty to support workers affected by mental health problems.
Sources:
www.safework.nsw.gov.au
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4989711/mental-illness-at-work-in-focus/
