Most Australian bosses ignore their workers' mental health, a new survey shows.
The nationwide survey of 1,000 workers found 70 per cent of respondents'
workplaces do not offer programs to support employees' mental and emotional
wellbeing. Half of respondents said they often felt stressed and one quarter
often felt depressed. The online survey was conducted late last month by
Sweeney Research for the SuperFriend Industry Funds Forum Mental Health
Foundation. The foundation is comprised of superannuation funds, life insurers
and mental health organisations including beyondblue and Lifeline. The chair
of the foundation's mental health reference group, John Mendoza, said employers
should recognise the importance of looking after employees' mental health.
"There is increasing evidence of a link between stress in the workplace and
mental illness," he said. "The cost of workplace stress to Australian business
is potentially crippling. "I would call on all Australian employers to learn more
about what they can do to support their staff and encourage them to seek help
when they need it."
The survey also found half of respondents thought drinking alcohol was a good
way to maintain or improve their mental health, while four in five believed
watching television positively impacted on mental health. Three-quarters of
respondents participated in activities to improve their physical health and half
engaged in tasks to improve mental health.
The most unhappy age group was 40 to 49-year-olds, with people in that age
bracket most likely to feel stressed and depressed and the least likely to look
after their physical and mental health.
7/10/2008, by AAP.CANBERRA
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