One in five Australians have taken time off work in the past 12 months to manage mental health issues, according to a report by Beyond Blue. How can managers reduce the risk for mental illness and foster a workplace culture of acceptance and care? October is Mental Health Month, and Business SA’s Healthy Workers Adviser Kylie Cocks shares her insights on how managers can support mental wellbeing in the workplace.
What is a mentally healthy workplace?
"For staff to excel and thrive, managers need to promote good mental health and take a preventative risk-management approach," says Kylie.
Managers can foster a mentally healthy workplace by providing:
- a workplace culture which is supportive and stigma-free
- creating a pleasant work environment which supports mental health and wellbeing
How can managers support the mental health of their team?
- Recognise your team’s strengths
- Be skilled in managing conflict and performance management
- Be fair to all employees
- Lead with positive mental health habits
- Use effective identification and management of psychosocial hazards in the workplace
- Follow workplace policies which support psychological safety and flexible workplace practices
What signs should managers be aware of?
"Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental illness and intervene early if a staff member is struggling," says Kylie.
"Stress which moves beyond pressure into excessive or prolonged stress can lead to burnout.”
Mental health issues can often appear in employees as:
- Poor productivity
- Forgetfulness
- Grumpiness
- Being withdrawn
Kylie says it's important to know what services and support is available and how to have a conversation with an employee who is showing signs of struggling.
"If a staff member has disclosed mental ill health, managers need to be aware of the legislative components of mental health including human rights, anti-discrimination and privacy, and provide a workplace adjustment if required."
"Use a personalised approach when an employee returns to work after time off due to mental ill health - discuss with your employee what they need, and review this frequently."
Where can managers go for support?
- Business SA provides a range of health and wellbeing training courses including Mental Health Fundamentals For Managers - click here
- Kylie has developed a Wellbeing at Work video series to support managers in fostering a healthy workplace – click here
- Beyond Blue’s Heads Up website is specifically for businesses, managers and employees to help them foster a mentally healthy culture. There is a section devoted to resources for managers who want to support their staff.
- This Mental Health Month, Business SA has once again collaborated with the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia on the Workplace Challenge. It's not too late to register - click here