New data shows workplace mental health injuries on the rise

The insurer’s ‘Crucial Conversations in the Modern Workplace’ report – which surveyed Australian employees and managers to understand evolving workplace challenges – revealed that 35 per cent of employees don’t feel satisfied with their employer’s ability to create a mentally healthy workplace and 24 per cent are not satisfied with how often their manager checks in on their mental health.

However, 65 per cent of employees said that their manager would not be their first contact to discuss mental health conversations, with 41 per cent opting to turn to peers or someone outside the workplace.

Meanwhile, 24 per cent of managers say they do proactively check in with their staff regularly, but 31 per cent have an expectation that their team members need to make them aware of mental health concerns.

“The Allianz research reveals that both employees and managers want, and expect, to be having crucial conversations, but there is a growing disconnect between both groups, mental health expert Dr Mark Cross said.

“Employees feel their manager should proactively bring up difficult topics or discuss their mental health with them, whilst managers feel their direct reports should be responsible for bringing their concerns forward – this confusion is being felt across every industry and demographic.

“Organisations and individuals need to feel comfortable initiating and managing these conversations and this shift can only happen with a change in workplace culture, education and attitude.”

Allianz Australia’s chief general manager for personal injury, Julie Mitchell, said the data shows that while having open conversations about mental health is important, there is a “disconnect” between managers and staff.

“Whether it be about flexible working arrangements, annual leave or even a promotion, these topics are going to surface, and they need to be prioritised,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The steady rise in psychological injury claims highlights that this needs to be a focus, yet our research has shown that the majority of employees have not had training on how to conduct these conversations.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.