Employers urgently need to treat the mental health of their staff as seriously as their physical health and safety, according to Australia’s first campaign on mental health in the workplace.
With an estimated one in five Australian workers experiencing mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, the cost to businesses is at least $10.9 billion a year, says mental health group beyondblue.
But if Australian businesses are willing to invest in effective mental health strategies they stand to gain an average return of $2.30 for every $1 spent, according to a report beyondblue commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
It found benefits could include higher productivity, less sick leave and absenteeism and fewer compensation claims.
