Comcare has developed a range of new resources aimed at reducing mental health-related stigma in the workplace and encouraging wellbeing at work.
In a statement, Comcare said its Mental Notes program would lead to increased manager or supervisor knowledge and skills to support workers’ mental health, encourage support and promote help-seeking behaviour early.
“Psychological claims for workers’ compensation currently account for around one third of new claims from Australian Public Service workers in the Comcare jurisdiction, with bullying and harassment and work pressure the main causes,” the Agency said.
“These claims are often more complex and take longer to resolve,” it said.
“Workers who make a compensation claim for a psychological injury often have poorer recovery and return-to-work outcomes than those with a physical injury or disease.”
It said fear and stigma around mental ill-health could prevent workers from seeking the support they needed from their employer or a trained professional.
“Workplaces that foster and support the psychological health and wellbeing of workers by addressing stigma early and encouraging help-seeking behaviour are more likely to experience less absenteeism, presenteeism, employee turnover and psychological claims,” Comcare said.
“Our Mental Notes program provides practical strategies on how to identify and manage psychosocial safety risks, and help assess, and make appropriate adjustments, to support staff in the workplace.”
Program resources available on Comcare’s website include a manager’s resource kit, practical resources for managers and supervisors, fact sheets, conversation guides, templates and other communication materials.
For more information on Mental Notes and how to keep mentally healthy workplaces healthy, Comcare can be accessed at this PS News link.
