Mental Health in the Workplace SANE Australia

Transcription

1 Mental Health in the Workplace SANE Australia Global AntiStigma Alliance Museum of London 16 September 2013 Presentation Outline Australian Context SANE Australia Activities Beyond blue Activities Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance 1

2 Australian Context Mental health disorders estimated to cost the Australian economy $20 billion annually in lost productivity and labour participation. Physical health claims down, mental health up Significant numbers of employers and HR managers are reluctant to employ people with MI even in the face of existing labor shortages Australia one of the lowest rates in OECD of workforce participation Employers believe people with a mental illness are a significant risk to the business due to potential lost productivity, leave and disruptive behavior Employers are 50% more likely to employ someone with a physical disability than with a mental illness 78% of employees believe their employer should provide support for mental health issues Australian Workplace Mental Health initiatives SANE Australia Mindful Employer program drew on UK program and launched Feb 2011 Focus on lived experience Scaling challenge Increase knowledge and support Reduce fear and stigma Give managers and employees skills and confidence to respond to signs of distress at an early stage beyondblue providing workplace information and training sessions initially on depression extending to anxiety Other players 2

3 Mindful Employer Offerings Current Future elearning 3 modules 3 hour workshop Australian Human Resource Institute 3 hour contract 1 hour workshop + 1 day workshop Resilience 3hr workshop Improving customer service for people with a mental illness 3 hour workshop Mindfulness beyondblue s workplace stigma activities Online programs, freely available at Awareness learning program - debunking the myths associated with depression and anxiety Personal stories - of people who have experienced depression in the workplace Leadership online practical information for organisational leaders about how to create a mentally healthy workplace Perspectives looking at the one situation through the eyes of an employee with depression, a colleague, their manager and the HR manager Having a conversation contains mini dramas that demonstrate how to talk to someone at work you are concerned about Business in Mind for small-medium sized enterprises Website information on disclosure and legislative responsibilities 3

4 National Workplace Program Face-to-face training program Series of 5 workshops for different roles within an organisation Has been shown to: o increase awareness and understanding of depression and anxiety in the workplace o decrease stigma by improving attitudes towards people who experience depression and anxiety o improve skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety o Increase confidence to assist a colleague or employee who may be experiencing these conditions. Licensed for delivery in the UK through the Centre for Mental Health beyondblue - in development Disclosure in the workplace online resource how to disclose as well as how to tell your story Training for Union delegates includes information on signs and symptoms and personal stories Good Practice Model online includes information on workplace culture and policy development Dissemination/Marketing activities to reach broad range of Australian workplaces campaign 4

5 Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance Brings together like-minded organisations committed to working with businesses to create mentally health workplaces. Business is primary audience National Mental Health Commission, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Psychological Society, beyondblue, Black Dog Institute, Business Council of Australia, Comcare, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, Mental Health Council of Australia, SafeWork Australia, SANE Australia, University of New South Wales. Vision: all Australian workplaces take active steps to create mentally healthy workplaces and fully realise the benefits to their people, their business and the community. Gives businesses and those who have been working with employers the chance to showcase what they ve been doing, what works and what does not. The Alliance has launched a call for good practice and we will use the information we get through this and other work to develop practical, national resources for businesses for release later in the year. 5