Page 16 - Advice Matters - FWP May 24

Fostering wellbeing in

the workplace

Roger was an auditor at a large multi-national consulting firm. She explained that their organisational policy authorised her to
He was a conscientious worker; confident, capable and always assess Roger’s specific needs in relation to:
positive. But Roger’s cheerful smile concealed a private burden. • his tasks, responsibilities and the people and teams he
interacted with,
For years, Roger had struggled with depression and anxiety. Yet
each day, he put on a brave face at work while sadness and • his levels of frustration, stress and boredom,
apprehension shadowed him. • appropriate breaks and fatigue recovery,
• enabling his sense of control and flexibility over his workload,
According to Beyond Blue, nearly half of us will • implementing policies and procedures for responding to
experience mental health concerns in our lifetime. A bullying, stress and harassment.
2019 inquiry by the Australian Productivity Commission With Roger’s approval, Mary-Ann facilitated a meeting between
found that mental ill-health costs Australian businesses him and Jack, the company’s HR Workplace Health and Safety
up to $180 billion per year through lost productivity. Manager. Jack provided Roger with information around the
company’s mental health policy and external counselling
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people services.
experiencing stress and anxiety related health issues
increased dramatically, often resulting from isolation Roger began seeing a professional counsellor. This, combined
and remote work arrangements. with the support and resources provided by the company, saw
Roger become more confident and able to cope; his smiling face
As Roger’s private battle worsened, it began to overwhelm was no longer a façade.
him. He became forgetful, struggled to concentrate and missed
deadlines. Such physical symptoms left him feeling even more Mental health touches every facet of your life, from your
depressed, and undermined his self-esteem, leaving him with a work – how you work and how you feel about work – as
sense of hopelessness. well as your life outside of work.
Mary-Ann, Roger ’s manager realised something was amiss when For Roger, his gradual recovery has been a positive transition
Roger made a rookie mistake on a simple task. She decided to that has pervaded not only his work life, but his home and social
check-in with him over coffee. life as well.

Businesses nowadays have a greater awareness of Roger considers himself a work in progress, but he also says
employee mental health and its impacts, than in the that every day is a better day because he’s no longer fighting
past. Nevertheless, many people, fearing judgement and his battles alone.
discrimination, continue to suffer in silence. Mental health does not discriminate. It can affect anyone
regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or other factors.
Relaxed in the neutrality of a café, Roger cautiously confided that
he’d been struggling with feelings of anxiety and despondency Organisations like Beyond Blue and Lifeline can provide
for some time but had been too afraid to speak up. assistance if you’re feeling as though life is getting on top of
you. Additionally, they provide advice to employers wishing to
Mary-Ann listened patiently, gently encouraging him to talk ensure their workplaces are supportive environments.
about his struggles.
If you’re feeling unsettled at work, or you’re struggling to cope,
Surprised by her empathy, Roger admitted that he’d been feeling
so overwhelmed in group settings that he’d become withdrawn reach out to your HR department or your manager for guidance.
and was unable to contribute to team meetings. He’d even been Update: Since regaining control of his personal well-being,
avoiding social events with colleagues and friends. Roger has undertaken the company’s newly created role of
Mental Wellness Officer (MWO). He has not relinquished his
In recent years, there has been a shift in attitudes former duties, but in his capacity as MWO, he provides direction
towards mental health in the workplace. Factors such and help to others in the organisation struggling with workplace
as education, support groups, regulatory policy changes mental health.
and organisational culture have contributed.
Sources: www.beyondblue.org.au Key facts – mental health at work
Mary-Ann assured Roger that she would fully support him in (Copyright 2022)
seeking assistance, and together they would develop a work www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Causes of workplace mental injury
design to accommodate his needs, including flexible hours and (Reviewed 30 July 2022)
regular one-on-one check-ins. www.lifeline.org.au Website

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MAY 2024