Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Join The Conversation

THE OUTDATED MODEL OF THE FLINTY ‘HERO’ LEADER IS INCREASINGLY SIDELINED IN FAVOUR OF A MORE CULTURALLY AWARE, ENABLING BOSS WHO SUPPORTS A MENTALLY STRONG WORK ENVIRONMENT.

- John Karagounis

Nearly half of the Australian population will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. In any one year, around a million Australian adults suffer from depression, and over two million have anxiety.

The reality is that more people are absent from work because of stress and anxiety than because of physical illness or injury. There are many things we can do to turn these statistics around, and one of the most important is to openly and honestly discuss mental health in the workplace. Leaders in the workplace, including CEOs, have a vital role to play in starting and leading these conversations.

The CEO Circle recently teamed up with beyondblue to present two breakfast panel discussions in Melbourne and Sydney on the topic of mentally healthy workplaces.

For those not familiar with beyondblue, it is an Australian independent not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety and other mental health conditions. It was founded 18 years ago by former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, and its current chairperson is former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard.

Gillard was joined on the panels by beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman, and Paul Howes, a beyondblue director, who is also Partner in Charge at KPMG Australia and a former national secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU).

BREAKING THE TABOO

For too long mental health has been a taboo topic in the workplace. The idea of a mentally healthy workplace is a relatively new one, but the concept is fast gaining recognition as being an essential element of any progressive, forward thinking business strategy.