Printing Industries is highlighting the importance of having mental health policies in the workplace via a Beyond Blue report that provides strategies for companies to manage the issues.
The ground-breaking report, Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace - Return on Investment Analysis, took almost a year to complete.
A reference group of mental health experts and academics including Printing Industries’ Senior Workplace Advisor and mental health advocate Mary Jo Fisher, provided key input into its development.
Ms Fisher was pivotal in Printing Industries functions in Adelaide and Sydney last month promoting mental health awareness in printing companies. The campaign will continue in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
The report identifies the cost of mental health issues to business at $11 billion annually and lists seven key actions with supporting activities business can use to create mentally healthier workplaces.
These are:
•Worksite physical activity programs
•Coaching and mentoring, e.g. cognitive behavioural-based leadership coaching
•Mental health first aid and education
•Resilience training
•CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) based return-to-work programs
•Well-being checks or health screening
•Encouraging employee involvement
The report recommends that businesses employ a range of physical, environmental, cognitive and structural techniques to help prevent and manage mental illness in the workplace.
It finds that that on average for every $1 a business spends on mental health it gains $2.30 in return on investment (ROI) making this a worthwhile investment for business.
While not all actions may be suitable for smaller companies with fewer staff and resources, the report also contains simple measures that all businesses can use.
“It’s common sense to learn to recognise the symptoms of mental illness such as irritability, teary disposition, constantly being late to work, vagueness or social withdrawal,” Ms Fisher said.
“Sometimes, some of these symptoms can be explained, for example if a person has recently experienced a loss.
“However, if a person is showing a combination of such symptoms over a prolonged period of time and for no apparent reason, then it’s fair to wonder whether this person may have a mental illness and to consider approaching them about it.”
Mr Fisher said it was important that any discussions be done carefully.
She said that a person with a mental illness costs their employer $10,000 per year due to 3-4 sick days a month and reduced productivity.
“But this doesn’t take into account knock-on effects to other employees who have to cover for absentee or presentee (where a worker is present but under performing) co-workers, the reduced morale or productivity of the other staff members who have to cover for these employees, workers compensation claims and higher turnover.”
She said it was also important for managers to keep in mind that they are not mental health experts and shouldn’t feel responsible in any way, to treat a mental illness.
“It may be necessary to consider seeking outside help from a GP or psychiatrist in some cases. And the boss can always consider some minor changes in jobs or office layout, where appropriate or feasible,” Ms Fisher said.
Beyond Blue provides interactive support and resources for managers, colleagues and mental illness sufferers alike to begin a conversation about mental health in the workplace via its Workplace online page.
To download the report click here
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
