Fitness For Duty: Why companies need to focus on employee mental health.
Frank and fearless mental health discussions are happening more and more right now. Having this incredibly important topic out from the shadows will be incredibly effective for reducing the stigma. But it has also highlighted how prevalent poor mental health management is in our society. Especially when we consider discussions about Fitness for Duty.
Post Covid-19, the general societal consensus is, that how we view and discuss mental well-being needs to change. While the pandemic certainly contributed to increased levels of mental health decline, the problem very much existed before that. And in the workplace, it was generally suppressed and glossed over. At Red Health, we’re making 2023 the year that we make mental health in the workplace a focus like never before.
Mental health explained
A person does not need to meet the criteria for a mental illness or disorder to experience the adverse effects of have their working life impacted. Short-term and stress-related situations also make it challenging to work and live well.
A person’s physical ability, living conditions, employment situation and access to services are critical factors that shape an individual’s mental health. It affects our functionality, relationships and life outlook and due to that, needs to be considered closely in Fitness For Duty assessments.
Optimal mental health coupled with physical and social wellbeing is essential for human performance. Positive mental health helps in:
- Responding better to challenges
- Adapting to change and being resilient
- Socialising, connecting and empathising with others
- Understanding regulating and expressing our emotions
- Living fulfilling lives
Mental health claims have increased, but it’s not why you think…
The Australian Bureau of Statistics Work-related Injuries Survey 2013–14 report showed that 60 percent of employees who were eligible for workers’ compensation under mental stress provisions but didn’t make a claim!
Work cover claims have since increased. A rise in instances is a factor, but the mental health spotlight has encouraged more people to heed their mental well-being.
Staff emotional well-being is integral to business success.
Worker’s Compensation claims cost business through productivity loss and the considerable cost associated with litigation and case management.
Why workplace wellness is a priority
While the worst of the pandemic is over, many are still overcoming its effects. Compelling mental health support must become an integral part of our new normal if businesses want to thrive.
Employers can take the following actions to take care of their work family’s mental health:
- Adequate and well- implemented OHS practices
- Transparent communication and engagement, especially during change and uncertainty
- Wellbeing support options, e.g. employee assistance or other subsidised programs, quiet spaces and mental health assessment tools
- Opportunities for feedback
- Support for managing workloads and;
- Policies to report and correct inappropriate conduct.
Discussing mental health at work is no longer unseasonable.
The pandemic forced us to reprioritise and is credited as one of the catalysts for The Great Resignation. Shifting attitudes empowered many employees to say no to being burned out and being overworked and under appreciated. They’ve realised the importance of striking a work-life balance and investing quality time in their personal life.
Employees are better at advocating for their rights and speaking up when they’re not coping. If it goes unaddressed, they’ll work at another organisation that values their mental health.
Employers must prioritise mental well-being to retain staff and reduce Work Cover claims and recruitment costs.
Support for employers
Red Health has a range of services, including strategic advisory, to support employers navigating the complexities of mental health-related work cover claims.
Contact us today to discover more 1300 100 733 or email [email protected].