One in five Australian employees reported taking time off due to feeling mentally unwell in the last year
A mental health fitness for work (MHFFW) assessment is part of a workplace injury prevention program.
These assessments enable employers to provide their employees with appropriate mental health support by understanding the issues that are impacting an employee’s psychological health at home or at work.
The assessment provides managers with practical solutions to assist them in effectively managing employee mental health and in doing so avoid exacerbating the presenting issue.
Requesting an assessment
Injury prevention is not just about physical health, mental health conditions can be complex and personal.
If you have concerns about an employee’s mental health, Konekt can assist
Some of the circumstances which may be cause for referral include noticeable changes in someone’s behaviour, interpersonal issues at work or home, or increased absences from work.
Here is four ways investing in an assessment can benefit your business:
1. Understanding the impacts of poor mental health at work
While one in five Australians (21%) have taken time off work due to feeling mentally unwell, this figure more than doubles (46%) among those who consider their workplace mentally unhealthy.
If half your employees or colleagues were having to take time off due to stress, anxiety, and poor mental health, this presents a significant challenge to any business.
The impacts of poor mental health in the workplace can manifest as:
- Loss of productivity
- Increased absenteeism
- Higher rates of unemployment
- Higher rates of injury, illness and disability
- Increased likelihood of worker’s compensation claim
2. Reaping the benefits of mental health initiatives
Mental Health assessments form part of a workplace’s approach to supporting the mental health of their employees.
According to Beyond Blue, for every dollar invested in effective mental health initiatives, there’s an average return of at least $2.30.
The positive effects of such investments may include (but are not limited to):
- Increased employee retention
- Lower absenteeism
- Fewer worker’s compensation claims
- Higher productivity
- Greater sense of purpose, achievement, and pride at work, and
- Improved recovery when mental health presents
3. Creating a psychologically safe work environment
In a mentally safe workplace, employees feel valued and respected.
Creating a mentally safe environment at work supports genuine participation and contribution by all staff.
A psychologically safe workplace is one where employees can speak up, share ideas, ask questions and make mistakes without fear of humiliation or retribution.
MHFFW Assessments can recommend a variety of support mechanisms and role demand adjustments that can aid employees and employers to optimally manage role demands whilst also supporting staff mental health and wellbeing.
4. Empowering managers and leaders
A survey by Diversity Council Australia found that level of seniority has an influence on our mental wellbeing at work.
Managers play a leading role in setting the tone when it comes to mental health at work.
The survey found 31% of workers reported discussing their mental health at work with anyone.
By contrast, 63% of senior executives had spoken about their mental health at work.
Some ways to support employee mental health include:
- Promoting flexible working arrangements to prospective and current employees
- Providing mentors or regular check ins for new and existing employees
- Being open and encourage employees to speak about mental health at work
- Provide access to mental health services or an Employee Assistance Program
- Ensure that all employees are aware of the support they have available to them
- Find ways to celebrate and support achievements of the employees and the business and special occasions like work anniversaries and birthdays
Contact Konekt
If someone at your workplace expresses distress, appears to be struggling or is affected by difficult circumstances at work, then contact Konekt at response@konekt.com.au or call our National Service Centre on 1300 723 375.
Our team can help to ensure your worker is fit to work and provide guidance on how you can best support them.
