Articles | Is your workplace mentally healthy?

 

 

 

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Is your workplace mentally healthy?

The construction sector has some of the highest rates of mental ill health when compared to all industries in Australia.

In fact, according to Construction Industry Culture Taskforce (CICT), the industry experiences:

  • 2x suicide rate vs national average
  • 75% of workers report moderate to high stress levels
  • 46% of workers report burn-out

Meanwhile, the cost of ill mental health to the construction sector in Australia resulting in reduced worker output is a whopping $643 million.

Managers have a significant role to play in supporting mentally healthy workplaces. Besides the obvious social and health benefits, tackling ill mental health within the civil construction industry will mean a more engaged and productive workforce, with higher levels of staff retention.

Poor mental health has a wide range of risks and impact of on business performance, which can include reduced productivity and increased staff turnover. Other impacts include increased rates of illness, absenteeism and workplace accidents.

In fact, economic analyses consistently show that mental health conditions, such as depression and  anxiety,  are  costing  Australian  businesses  about  $11  billion dollars each year through absenteeism, reduced work performance, increased turnover rates and compensation claims.

According to Safe Work Australia work-related psychological injuries can also have a significant impact not only on workers and their families and business.

These injuries, known as psychosocial hazards, can result in longer time away from work and cost more than other injuries. Under the model WHS laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

No wonder it is so important for managers to develop strategies for creating a more supportive culture and minimising workplace stress.

ICI has a range of courses available that give managers the tools provide employees with better support and learn to identify poor mental wellbeing in staff. Click the links below for further details.

A Supervisor/ Manager’s Guide to managing Mental Health in the Civil Workplace
This course is for anyone managing people. It will give you the tools to identify, approach and support staff who may be suffering from a mental health condition, understand the privacy considerations, impact of mental health on the person & business, and resources to help you. Key topics covered include:

  • What is mental health and why is it important to manage
  • Statistics on mental health in Australia and the civil industry
  • Common mental health conditions, signs & symptoms
  • How to approach and talk to a worker who may be suffering a mental health issue
  • Where to get help, resources experts

What Managers Should Know About Managing Psychological Injuries
This course is designed to educate managers on the effective management of Psychological Workers Compensation claims. At the end of this course managers will understand key differences in how to manage them compared to physical injuries. Key topics covered include:

  • What is a psychological injury claim
  • How they differ to physical injuries from a claim management perspective
  • How to determine a worker’s capacity for work when the injury is psychological 
  • Common symptoms & treatment for psychological injuries
  • Guidance on how, and how not, to communicate with an injured worker
  • How do managers manage a worker with a psychological injury
  • Developing a Return to Work Plan for psychological Injuries including offering Suitable Duties for psychological injuries

A Strategic Approach to Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
This course is for anyone managing people and/or business or projects. Taking a ‘bigger picture’ view it will cover the risks & impact of mental health on business commercial performance, how they can position the business to manage this risk and strategies for creating a supportive culture & minimising workplace stress. Key topics covered include:

  • Risks & impact of mental health on business and projects
  • The importance of management staff understanding how to manage mental health
  • Employment decisions, & connection of mental health to industrial relations
  • Aligning mental health initiatives with other business activities
  • Strategies for creating a supportive culture & minimising workplace stress
  • Utilisation of third parties
  • Policy setting and adherence
  • Taking staff on the journey

To book any of these courses or to find out more about ICI’s extensive range of short courses which have been developed specifically to meet the needs of the civil construction industry, click here.

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