SMEs are leading in mental health and wellbeing programs

The survey asked respondents to rate the extent to which each of the 40 “desired state characteristics of a mentally healthy workplace” — including accessible and engaged leaders; visible mental health action plans; and rewards and recognition for good work — are currently present in their own workplace using a six-point scale (from strongly agree to strongly disagree).

According to the analysis, the national index scores on mental health and wellbeing were different depending on business size, with small businesses performing better (67) compared to large organisations (63).

A quarter of Australian workers reported experiencing high levels of stress in their current job, a major risk for depression and anxiety. 

A fifth of these workers said they will leave their employer in the next 12 months. This was more prevalent among senior managers.
 
The report also found that one in five working Australians currently experience a mental health condition, with almost half (45 per cent) reporting they experience some stigma related to mental health in their workplace. The most common group for this was younger workers (18- to 24-year-olds).

Looking at the overall indicators, Australian workplaces scored the highest in Connectedness (68) followed by Culture (65), Policy (64), Capability (64) and Leadership (63).

Areas for work

However, the survey found that nearly a third of respondents believe that their employers are “too busy to take action”, of which nearly half (51 per cent) said that there are more important business issues to address, while the other half (47 per cent) felt that there is nobody responsible for taking action.

Moreover, managers’ lack of understanding around mental health and wellbeing issues and the required skills and training to address these issues were also identified as key impediments to achieving the optimal state.

Commenting on the findings, SuperFriend CEO Margo Lydon said: “There’s no doubt that great efforts are being made in creating and sustaining thriving workplaces. However, job stress and the stigma that people are currently experiencing means we’re still on the journey.
 
“We spend such a significant amount of time at work throughout our lifetime. Experiences at work contribute to both our identity and wellbeing. It’s crucial that employers and employees work collaboratively to take a preventative approach to achieving a mentally healthy workplace to support all workers to thrive, whether they are experiencing a mental health condition or not.”
  
According to the survey, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of Australians believe investing in mental health and wellbeing would improve productivity, 55 per cent believe it would reduce sickness and absenteeism, while half of the workers believe it could improve retention.

“In our experience, mental health conditions can go unnoticed and therefore unsupported because the illness or injury can’t be seen. It’s a learning process for managers and team leaders to be able to identify, and appropriately support their people, acknowledge how much productivity is lost (or gained) from mental health issues,” Ms Lydon said.

Off the back of the research, SuperFriend has released its Building Thriving Workplaces guidelines which provides evidence-based strategies for taking action.

Ms Lydon added that “positive, high-quality interpersonal connections” were “essential” to maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing.

“Optimal work environments enable thriving, feeling like a community where people support each other, beyond just getting the work done,” Ms Lydon said.

Mental health programs in the broking industry

The importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is being increasingly recognised in the mortgage and finance industry.

Earlier this month, the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) announced that it would be rolling out a mental health program, Accidental Counsellor, run in partnership with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury, over the next year.

The Accidental Counsellor pilot program, which was trialled with brokers and industry representatives by a Lifeline trainer and crisis supporter, provides training and insights on recognising when someone might be struggling or in a crisis, responding in an appropriate and compassionate manner, and helping them figure out the next steps in seeking support. 

Several other players in the mortgage broking industry have been working to improve mental health in the profession, with Tracy Kearey, the director of Brisbane-based Home Loan Connexion, officially launching the company’s Health and Wellness Program last month.

As part of their social responsibility charter, the Brisbane-based brokerage launched the program to support their staff, build a healthier workplace and develop a “culture that doesn’t view mental health and wellbeing in the workplace through a prism of deficit and risk”.

“We value the contribution made by our brokers and staff and believe that a more open and accepting culture helps build healthier workplaces,” Home Loan Connexion director Tracy Kearey said.
 
“There is a strong business case for why addressing health and wellness in the workplace is imperative. Like all small businesses, we know that our teams’ ability to do their job well reflects on our bottom line.
 
“Our Health and Wellness Program focuses on caring for the wellbeing of our people and it provides preventative measures and support for those having a difficult time with either their mental or physical health.”

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, or you’re worried about someone else and feel that urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

beyondblue: 1300 22 4636

www.beyondblue.org.au

[Related: In Focus: Mental health and wellbeing in the financial services sector]