Here are some sobering thoughts about workplace mental health in Australia:
- Every year, compensation payments totalling $736m are paid to Australian workers for workplace mental health conditions.
- For the first time ever, the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal found in favour of an ATO employee who suffered a psychological injury caused by his excessive workload.
- In Australia, at least 65,000 suicide attempts are made each year.
- According to PwC Australia, employers will gain $2.30 in benefits for every $1 spent on workplace mental health.
Now there’s an ISO standard for workplace mental health
In June 2021, ISO 45003 became the first global standard providing specific guidance on managing psychosocial risks and the importance of promoting workplace wellbeing. This brings workplace mental health into the same realm as other workplace health and safety risks.
Adherence to ISO 45003 is voluntary. Fundamentally, it is a risk management tool to help organisations build a safer and healthier workplace. It’s applicable to organisations across all industries and applies equally well to any sized business – no matter how big or how small.
At this stage, there isn’t an official certification or a compliance check. However, it does demonstrate your organisations commitment to keeping employees safe – both physically and psychologically. That’s what makes it a powerful tool in terms of staff recruitment, retention, engagement, productivity and wellbeing.
As part of Mental Health Month, why not get in touch with us to learn more about ISO45003 and how you could implement it in your business. Call us today 02 8977 4002.