Strengthening your workforce’s mental immune system

The issue of workplace mental health has long been explored, with experts analysing the link between poor mental health and its effect on workforce productivity, writes Katalin Suranyi.

The issue of workplace mental health has long been explored, with experts analysing the link between poor mental health and its effect on workforce productivity. Despite recent efforts, data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers and KPMG Life Insurance reveals a concerning trend: record numbers of Australians are reporting mental health symptoms, manifesting as stress, anxiety, depression, panic, and apathy, among others. The negative impacts of these conditions extend beyond the individual and can significantly harm the organisation. Unhappy employees, high staff turnover, eroding culture and decreased motivation all take a toll on overall productivity.

However, the financial implications aren’t limited to turnover. Mental health issues in the workplace also contribute to increased stress leave and workers’ compensation claims for psychological injuries. While these expenses may not be immediately visible, they add considerable pressure to a company’s bottom line.

Our mental immune system

Much like we protect and strengthen our physical immune system with vitamins, supplements, exercise and a healthy diet, we must take similar steps to safeguard our mental wellbeing. Yet, as a society, we are still in the infancy of building mental resilience. While annual wellbeing weeks or employee assistance programs (EAPs) can be valuable, they often lack the continuity of ongoing day-to-day support. To foster lasting mental wellbeing and resilience, organisations must integrate consistent, ongoing support into their daily operations, leadership standards, relational intelligence and workplace culture. Employing these techniques also positively impacts psychosocial safety, a compliance item for all organisations.

Upgrading leadership support

It’s critical to differentiate the mental health support provided to leadership teams and employees. Senior leaders face higher exposure to stress, often compounded by the isolation and loneliness associated with leadership roles. Tailored programs for leaders can address these unique challenges, ensuring that leaders not only have the tools to manage their own mental wellbeing but also can effectively support their teams.

Indeed, while HR plays an important role in recommending solutions, it cannot bear sole responsibility for mental health management. True integration into company culture requires shared ownership across the entire leadership team, starting with the CEO and supported by team leaders at every level.

Addressing the cause, not the symptoms

For senior leadership to truly appreciate the importance of preventing burnout, they must understand its impact on commercial productivity. A study by Mental Health First Aid Australia found that Australian professionals report the highest rate of burnout in the world, costing the Australian economy an estimated $14 billion annually. To mitigate this, it’s essential to establish cultural principles that address workplace stress before they escalate into more severe issues. Installing long-term strategies to tackle these problems can effectively reduce the commercially negative consequences of burnout.

Building a mental immune system

HR can support workforce mental immunity by implementing structured frameworks. Frequent internal communication and confidential check-ins help normalise mental health discussions and encourage support-seeking. This helps managers identify early stress indicators, ensuring timely intervention and fostering a healthier, more resilient workplace culture.

‘Mental vitamins’ that stave off burnout

Just as we take daily vitamins to maintain our physical health, it’s important for us to take “mental vitamins” to maintain our mental health. These can range from simple practices like taking regular breaks, practising mindfulness, verbal detox (aka venting) and setting realistic boundaries. Building mental resilience is at the heart of these efforts and is an effective way to mitigate burnout.

Looking ahead: The ROI of mental health investment

Addressing the growing mental health crisis in the workplace requires a proactive approach. By fostering self-awareness, stress management, and social support, organisations can encourage employees to take control of their mental wellbeing, preventing burnout before it becomes deleterious. HR teams and leaders play a crucial role in driving this effort, ensuring that mental health initiatives are not just a one-off event but an integrated part of the company’s day-to-day operations.

The ROI for prioritising mental health in the workplace is clear: improved productivity, enhanced employee satisfaction, and a more resilient, thriving workforce.

Katalin Suranyi is the founder at BettyWinkler.