Look around your office or workplace. One in five employees are experiencing a mental health condition right now. It could even be you. But does your employer know?
Not always, it would seem.
Notwithstanding the huge personal toll, it is estimated that untreated mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces approximately $10.9 billion each year in absenteeism, presenteeism (when a staff member is at work but less productive) and compensation claims. However, a 2014 report commissioned by Beyond Blue found that of those one in five employees who reported feeling mentally unwell, almost half (48%) did not disclose the reason to anyone in the workplace.
"There is still a lot of fear and distrust that employers will hold mental illness against you or it may jeopardise your employment prospects, which is terribly sad," says Health and Wellbeing Officer at the University of New England, Miriam Lott. "It should be no different to disclosing a physical injury, but mental illness remains very stigmatised. If you can tell your employer, there are ways that they can help.
"It's very hard to know what's going on in someone else's world and people with a mental illness can be very good at hiding it. This could mean that their supervisor doesn't even pick up on it and could mistake behaviour as a performance issue, when it's not, and see them ending up in performance management or worse."
Disclosure benefits the individual as well as the team. "The biggest benefit is that if you need help, you can ask for it and your employer will know why and understand," Miriam says. "The employer may be able to provide extra support. For instance, at UNE staff can take advantage of free counselling appointments under our Employee Assistance Program. But none of this kind of assistance is prompted unless you speak up."
Miriam recommends being up-front from the time employment commences or a mental condition is diagnosed, but also exercising caution. "Seek out the right person; someone who cares and wants to listen and help," she says. "It is a matter of finding a balance between sharing with your employer, so they can assist you and are aware, and protecting your privacy. You may not want everyone asking you are you okay."
Unfortunately, there's no denying that some discrimination and prejudice does persist in workplaces. "However, as painful as that may be, it's also an opportunity to raise awareness and stamp out such behaviour," Miriam says. "Many supervisors have now done Mental Health First Aid training and look to organisations like Beyond Blue for resources and assistance, but there are others who can benefit from this training. In fact, I think it's valuable for all staff."
On the upside, admitting vulnerability in the workplace can inspire important conversations among staff and provide solid foundations for thoughtful working relationships. "Disclosing mental health conditions can help to create trust and the rapport that is essential to good teamwork and productivity," Miriam says. "The trickle-down benefits are huge."
For further information and support, go to www.beyondblue.org.au
