Mental Health in the Workplace

The October 2022 Mental Health at Work Moodometer survey uncovers employee sentiments about Australian workplace mood, access to mental health programs and the top barriers for creating mentally healthy workplaces. Click on the image below to download your copy of the report, or keep reading for more information.

Download the Mental Health at Work Moodometer report

The mood in Australian workplaces has improved slightly in the last 3 months, up from 58% in June to 63% in September according to the second Mental Health at Work Moodometer survey.

The survey is conducted by The Safe Step and our sister business The Next Step, in conjunction with mental health advocate Graeme Cowan.

It also shows that while people’s personal good mood has declined from 66% in June to 60% in September, 56% see their mental health improving over the next 3 months

Of concern, the Moodmeter research revealed that 29% of employees did not have access to practical mental health programs in the workplace

When employees were asked to nominate the No 1 barrier to building a mentally healthy workplace, they said:

1. Their workplaces were too busy to focus on mental health (27%)
2. Mental health was not seen as a priority in their workplace (23%)
3. Leaders lack the necessary skills to deal with mental health issues (18%).

Removing these 3 barriers is the key to ongoing improvement of mental health in the workplace.

"Managers are the key to building mentally healthy teams, which then lead to robust organisations. They can do this by promoting a sense of connection and care, having each other's back, and involving colleagues in key decisions." said Graeme Cowan, WeCARE365's co-founder."

In reponse to rising concerns about mental health in the workplace The Safe Step CEO Aaron Neilson has seen business' increase their investment in wellbeing. “It will be imperatives for OHS professionals to educate themselves around the different types of psychosocial hazards such that they can implement the apppropriate systems of work and guide their colleagues accordingly," he said

"We expect that this increased focus will also lead to job creation and development opportunities for OHS professionals to specialise, or add to their portfolio," explains Neilson.

In 2022 demand for specialists with a clinical or organisational psychology background has increased, as organisations look to take a more evidence-based approach to mental health in the workplace.

Rising mental health concerns and the impacts of the pandemic have meant that creating WELL workplaces is top of mind for many business leaders.

76% of employees say they are able and willing to support a colleague in distress.and 62% say that they feel they can talk to their manager about a personal mental health problem.

"It's wonderful that employees feel confident in being able to support a colleague in distress, however stigma and neglect of mental health issues still exist at an organisational level," explains Jo Skipper, Managing Director of The Next Step. "Employers can support, retain, and attract workers by creating ‘well’ workplaces with strong cultures that engender trust and demonstrate care," she said.

In positive news 1 in 2 people surveyed believe that their mood was likely to improve in the next 3-months

The October 2022 Mental Health at Work Moodometer study surveyed 1000 employees across Australia. Conducted by The Next Step in conjuction with mental health expert Graeme Cowan the study looks at mood on a personal, team and organisational level, addressing issues such as stress, psychological safety and access to support.

We can assist with providing subject matter experts on a permanent or temporary basis to support HR and Workplace Health and Safety teams develop or execute wellbeing strategies.

You may also wish to sign up to receive invites to participate in future Moodometer surveys and to receive updates on Mental Health in the workplace research.