Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common in Australian workplaces and from a workers compensation perspective they are 7-8 times more expensive than physical injury related claims. A recent PWC study found mental health issues cost Australian businesses $10.9B a year in lost productivity. The study also suggests poor mental health is likely to impact 1 in 5 employees. So what are the common mental health disorders?
According to NSW Government’s Get Healthy At Work, Australians spend one third of their lives at work, so being healthy at work can have some big benefits. Healthier employees are alert, fitter and more resilient against illness. A successful workplace health program improves productivity, attracts new employees, enhances business image and reduces absenteeism.
After being involved with numerous degenerative disease claims, a business can be held unfairly liable for such claims. The workers compensation system, processes and insurers often hold the employer liable for the full claims costs.
At ABILITY GROUP we advocate for clients and partners in securing the best possible outcome for their business and injured workers. In our experience businesses are often wrongfully held liable for the actions and decisions made by an individual during the years prior to being employed by the current business. Regrettably if proactive or preventative actions are not adopted by businesses, then the ability to have such degenerative disease related claims declined becomes extremely difficult.
There is growing evidence sitting or a sedentary lifestyle can result in chronic and even deadly health conditions. Many assume it is mostly office workers who are spending increasing time sitting yet there are many jobs that are also at risk. Majority of time sitting is work related yet once people leave work they also spend significant time sitting watching TV or the likes. What does the research say and what can be done?
Businesses often seek ways to improve productivity and reduce absenteeism. What might surprise many is that a recent study found obese workers took 90% more sickies than normal weight employees. Research also show that Australian businesses with a successful work health program can experience up to 3 times higher productivity, lower sick leave and injuries, as well as better employee morale.