Open dialogue 'always key,' says HR expert
The persisting stigma around mental health conditions remains a major issue across Australian workplaces.
SafeWork data revealed in February that employees with claims for mental health conditions are more likely to experience stigma from colleagues and employers.
This comes as compensation claims for mental health conditions went up by nearly 37% in Australia during 2021-22, according to SafeWork.
Mental health conditions accounted for nine per cent of all workers' compensation claims, with median time lost being four times greater than all physical injuries and illnesses in 2020-21.
Addressing mental health stigma
Damien Andreasen, VP APJ at HiBob, said these findings should "set alarm bells ringing for heads of people and senior leadership in most Australian businesses."
To address this stigma, the executive said open dialogue is "always the key" because it helps people realise that they're not alone in their struggles.
"As for what HR professionals specifically can do, it's all about creating the right environment," Andreasen told HRD.
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This includes providing flexible work arrangements, carrying out one-on-one check-ins, employee-wide pulse surveys, as well as access to external mental health support.
"But above all, just talk to your employees more," he advised. "Get to know what makes them tick, what drives them and what motivates them. Talking away from the day-to-day hubbub is probably the single most important thing you can do to support people in their mental health. The more you understand people, the better you'll be able to help them."
Role of leadership
Addressing mental health issues at work is also not limited to just HR professionals, according to Andreasen.
"The whole organisation needs to be involved. Senior leadership especially needs to be involved," he stressed.
HiBob's global survey revealed that over 70% of employees whose mental health was majorly affected by the pandemic said their managers took an active role in supporting their mental health needs.
"That's why it's so important for HR professionals to train managers on identifying early signs of burnout or work-related stress — a well-known cause of mental health issues. Setting regular pulse checks to see how people are managing their workload are a great way to identify these issues early," he said.
Importance of emotional intelligence
Andreasen also underscored that having emotional intelligence "goes a long way" in dealing with mental health in the workplace.
"I can't overstate the importance of emotional intelligence when it comes to a company's leaders. It's those with high emotional intelligence that will make a major difference when it comes to supporting a mentally healthy working environment," he said.
But emotional intelligence doesn't just apply to senior leadership, Andreasen stressed.
"People managers who 'get' people and understand where they're coming from without judgement are vital because they're often the first line of support. Therefore, you've got to include people managers in the process of destigmatisation," he added.
Mental health investment
The Australian government recently unveiled a major $361-million investment in its mental health package under the recently released Budget 2024-25. Andreasen said the investment is a "step in the right direction as it addresses individual mental health needs."
But this package will only reach its full potential if employers also play their part, according to the HiBob executive.
"Now is the perfect time, given the timeliness of the budget announcement, for heads of people and senior leadership to remind employees of how seriously they're taking mental health in the workplace," he said.
"Take the opportunity to remind employees what policies are in place, where they can go if they need help, and what managers are trained to do. Most of all — just make sure your employees know you're there for them."