M‍ental health in the workplace is a key factor affecting a person’s overall psychosocial health. To help combat these issues, the harmonised Work Health and Safety Regulations have been updated with new psychosocial regulations.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Mentally unhealthy workplaces create various issues for both employers and employees.The following issues may exist due to a mentally unhealthy workplace:

• Decreased Productivity: An employee struggling with anxiety may find it hard to concentrate, leading to missed deadlines and lower overall output.
• Increased Absenteeism: Someone experiencing depression might frequently call in sick, impacting team projects and overall workflow.
• Higher Turnover Rates: If employees feel unsupported, they may leave the company, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.
• Poor Team Dynamics: Stress can cause irritability, leading to conflicts and a toxic work environment.
• Burnout: Continuous high stress without adequate support can lead to burnout, where employees feel exhausted and disengaged.
• Physical Health Issues: Chronic stress can manifest as physical ailments like headaches or high blood pressure, increasing healthcare costs.
• Reduced Job Satisfaction: Employees with poor mental health may feel unfulfilled and unhappy in their roles, affecting morale.
• Safety Risks: Mental health issues can lead to lapses in judgment or attention, increasing the risk of workplace accidents.

Also, mental health issues are one of the leading cause of compensation claims.

What Are the New Psychosocial WHS Regulations?

The new WHS regulations have an increased focus on management’s duty of care in relation to mental health in the workplace. This includes new control measures to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks including giving consideration to:

• the duration, frequency and severity of the exposure of workers and other persons to the psychosocial hazards, and how the psychosocial hazards may interact or combine, and
• the design of work, including job demands and tasks, and
• the systems of work, including how work is managed, organised and supported, and
• the design and layout, and environmental conditions, of the workplace, including the provision of—
  • safe means of entering and exiting the workplace, and
  • facilities for the welfare of workers, and
• the design and layout, and environmental conditions, of workers’ accommodation, and
• the plant, substances and structures at the workplace, and
• workplace interactions or behaviours, and
• the information, training, instruction and supervision provided to workers.

This means providing your workers with the resources they need to stay healthy and happy at work. In addition to traditional workplace safety obligations, the new regulations also outline employer obligations when it comes to managing workplace stress. Employers must take reasonable steps to minimise workplace stress, and also provide resources to help employees manage it.

Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

Employers can help manage mental health in the workplace in various way:

• Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation time to prevent burnout.
• Provide Mental Health Resources: Offer access to counseling services, mental health hotlines, or employee assistance programs (EAPs).
• Foster an Open Environment: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues without fear of stigma.
• Training and Education: Provide training for managers and employees on recognizing and addressing mental health issues.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow for flexible hours or remote work options to help employees manage stress and personal responsibilities.
• Regular Check-Ins: Managers should regularly check in with their team members to discuss workload and well-being.
• Healthy Work Environment: Ensure the workplace is physically comfortable and conducive to mental well-being, such as having quiet spaces or ergonomic furniture.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Promote physical health through initiatives like gym memberships, walking meetings, or on-site fitness classes.
• Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge employees’ hard work and achievements to boost morale and job satisfaction.
• Crisis Management Plans: Have protocols in place to support employees during mental health crises, including access to immediate help.

FAQs

Why is mental health important in the workplace?

Mental health in the workplace is crucial because it affects employees’ productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. A healthy work environment can lead to better performance and reduced absenteeism.

What are common signs of poor mental health in employees?

Common signs include decreased productivity, frequent absences, mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, and noticeable changes in behavior or performance.

How can employers support mental health in the workplace?

Employers can support mental health in the workplace by promoting work-life balance, providing access to mental health resources, fostering an open environment, offering flexible work arrangements, and conducting regular check-ins.

What resources can employers provide to support mental health?

Employers can offer counseling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, and workshops on stress management and resilience.

How can managers recognize and address mental health issues?

Managers should be trained to recognize signs of mental health issues, approach employees with empathy, and provide support or direct them to appropriate resources.

What role does work-life balance play in mental health?

Work-life balance helps prevent burnout and stress by allowing employees to recharge and manage personal responsibilities, leading to better mental health and productivity.

How can a supportive work environment be created? 

Supportive environment can be created by encouraging open communication, recognizing and rewarding employees, promoting physical activity, and ensuring the workplace is comfortable and conducive to well-being.

What should be included in a mental health crisis management plan?

A crisis management plan should include protocols for immediate support, access to mental health professionals, clear communication channels, and training for staff on how to respond to crises.

Did You Know?

One landmark case that highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace is Kozarov v State of Victoria. In this case, the High Court of Australia reaffirmed an employer’s duty of care to take reasonable steps to avoid mental injuries in the workplace¹. The court ruled in favor of the employee, who had developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the nature of her work and the employer’s failure to provide adequate support and intervention.

This case underscores the critical need for employers to recognize and mitigate mental health risks, ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.

Articles and Further Reading

• What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-whsms/>
• Psychosocial hazards (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/mental-health/psychosocial-hazards>