A Critical Workplace Issue
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At any one time, one-sixth of the working age population is suffering from symptoms of mental illness, most commonly depression and anxiety
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A further one-sixth of the population suffers from symptoms associated with mental ill health such as worry, sleep problems and fatigue, which will still be affecting their ability to function at work
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Mental illness is now the leading cause of sickness absence and long term work incapacity in most developed countries
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Mental illness is linked to high levels of presenteeism, where an employee remains at work despite experiencing symptoms resulting in lower levels of productivity
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Mental health conditions are costing Australian businesses between $11 and $12 billion dollars each year through absenteeism, reduced work performance, increased turnover rates and compensation claims
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Much of the mental illness seen in the workplace is treatable and in some cases, preventable
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Many employers tend to regard individuals with mental health difficulties as being incapable of successful employment which has fuelled the stigmatisation of mental health
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Workplaces can play an active and significant role in maintaining the mental health of their workers
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Efforts focused on employees’ mental health should bring benefits both for the individual and for the organisation.