What is mental health?

Mental Health is an integral and essential component of health. The World Health Organisation defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.

Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Mental health and well-being are fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life.

It is highly likely that, as a leader, you will have a team member with mental illness at some point in your career – whether you know it or not.

Mental illness is more prevalent than many people realise. Around 45% of Australians aged between 16 and 85 will experience a mental illness at some point in their life, while one in five Australian adults will experience a mental illness in any given year.

This short video by Dr. Mike Condra offers a useful visual representation of mental health:

Why is it important in the workplace?

A mentally healthy workplace promotes a positive workplace culture, minimises workplace risks related to mental health, supports people with mental health conditions appropriately and prevents discrimination.

Employee’s benefit from an environment where they are not suffering from job stress, have a work-life balance and can access support if they experience a mental health condition.  Healthy employees will have higher morale and engagement and positive interpersonal relationships at work. Research has shows that health and engagement are positively correlated. The flow on effect for business is productivity and profitability.

Individuals with high levels of mental health are:

• Less likely to see ambiguous events as threatening;
• Less likely to respond to negative feedback personally;
• Less likely to use contentious interpersonal tactics;
• Able to learn and problem solve more effectively;
• More enthusiastic and accepting of change; and
• To relate to others more positively.

Work and Mental Health

Each workplace has its own challenges, some of which are just the nature of the work. Be aware of what you can change, and look after yourself and others.

Things that can impact mental health at work:

• job stress
• changes in job role
• changes in working hours,
• shift rosters and long shifts
• isolation and lack of social support.

Home and Mental health

There may be times when personal situations can impact on mental health.

Risk factors that can affect mental health include:

• a relationship breakup
• financial stress
• physical illness or injury
• supporting a family member who is unwell

Legal Obligations

AGL has a duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and that other persons at the workplace are not put at risk from the work that is carried out. ‘Health’ is defined in the WHS Act as both physical and psychological health.
Like any other work health and safety risk a system should be in place to:

• identify the areas within the workplace that are likely to cause stress
• assess the risks to determine which require controls
• control the risks by eliminating or minimizing where possible
• review the controls and their effectiveness 

More on keeping your team well

• What is workplace stress?
• Tips for leaders
• What is mental illness?
• Dealing with mental illness
• Myths around mental illness
• Tips for specific workplace situations