beyondblue has launched an Australian-first national campaign in conjunction with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance to encourage Australia’s business leaders to take action on mental health.

 

It comes as a new PwC report reveals that Australian businesses will receive an average return of $2.30 for every $1 they invest in effective workplace mental health strategies.

The research, which looked at the impact of employees’ mental health conditions on productivity, participation and compensation claims, also found these conditions cost Australian employers at least $10.9 billion a year.

 

beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC said the report, provides a compelling case for businesses to back Heads Up, a campaign to give big and small business alike practical advice about the importance of mental health in the workplace.

 

“One in five Australian workers are experiencing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety right now, but sadly too many workplaces still do not realise the importance of their employees’ mental health,” he said. “This report shows that employers have a responsibility not only to their workers, but also to their businesses’ profitability, to tackle these conditions at work.”

 

PwC partner Jeremy Thorpe said the report reveals how investing in mental health benefits businesses of different sizes within different industries, with small business often benefiting the most.