Work impacts our mental health
New research from DCA explores the impact that workplace inclusion has on mental health.
The report, Mapping the State of Inclusion and Mental Health in the Australian Workforce found that almost as many Australian workers reported that work had a negative impact on their mental health (31%) and as those who reported a positive impact (32%).
The research, which draws on the findings of DCAs Inclusion@Work Index 2021-2022 also shows that inclusion – whether in teams, leaders, or the organisational culture – is linked to better mental health at work. But ultimately, who we work with day-in-day-out has the most positive impact on our mental health at work.
Workers in inclusive teams are:
- 7 times more likely than those in non-inclusive teams to report their workplace has positively impacted their mental health
- 7 times more likely to report their workplace is safe and supportive for those with poor mental health compared to those in a non-inclusive team.
Importantly, our research shows that we do have an opportunity to better support employee wellbeing and break the stigma around poor mental health. But workplaces need to do more than just have ‘check-the-box’ policies and initiatives that support employees once they are experiencing poor mental health.
This report outlines a 4-step blueprint for employers and organisations to ensure their workplaces positively impact employee mental health, are a safe space for open and honest conversations, and an avenue to accessing support.
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Suggested citation:
Diversity Council Australia (DAlmada-Remedios, R., Kaabel, A. and OLeary, J.) DCA Inclusion@Work Index: Mapping the State of Inclusion and Mental Health in the Australian Workforce, Sydney, Diversity Council Australia, 2022.
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