One in five Australian employees are likely to experience a mental health condition in a 12-month period according to the University of Tasmania. A white paper addressing mental health in the workplace says that while there is growing momentum regarding workplace mental health in Australia, efforts still largely remain disconnected, ad hoc and individual worker or workplace focussed.

The paper, An Integrated Approach to Workplace Mental Health Condition: nine priorities for implementation in Australia was produced by the University of Tasmania.

It outlines three areas where employers can take action, including preventing harm, promoting the positive, and responding to illness.

The white paper outlines nine priorities within these areas to guide employers in what they can do better to manage mental health in the workplace.

For example, a priority to prevent harm is to develop emotional and social intelligence in leaders and managers. And a priority to respond to illness is to reduce stigma, and to foster an Workplace environment where people are able to seek help.

Each priority in the white paper is accompanied by concrete steps to guide employers on how to achieve the goal.

For example, managers should ensure jobs or Workplace are designed to promote positive mental health by:
• Allowing appropriate levels of self-direction and autonomy.
• Ensuring alternative work arrangements are adequately resourced.
• Ensuring employees are able to use a variety of skills within their given role.
• Encouraging employees to take on higher levels of responsibility, where desired and appropriate.

Professor Angela Martin, who led the white paper, said workplaces play a vital role in creating positive change. In an update on utas.edu.au, she said, “Despite all the information that is out there, it can be overwhelming for organisations to know where to start. We wanted to provide a framework for action that sets out key priorities for Australian workplaces.”

View the paper at www.utas.edu.au.