Employees cast doubt on employers' commitment to psychological health and safety
Nearly half of employees across Australia have revealed that they lack trusted workplace relationships with colleagues, according to a new report from TELUS Health.
The report found that 45% of Australian employees do not have trusted workplace relationships, with those under 40 nearly twice as likely to report a deficit.
"The absence of genuine workplace connections is silently leaving employees detached and isolated which is taking a toll on their mental wellbeing and productivity," said Jamie MacLennan, Senior Vice-president and Managing Director of APAC, TELUS Health, in a statement.
It comes as loneliness emerges as a pressing global threat, according to the World Health Organisation, which recognised its impact on physical and mental health.
Psychological support at work
The latest TELUS Mental Health Index looked into the mental health state of Australians, as well as initiatives across workplaces amid growing employers' obligations to address psychosocial hazards.
According to the report, nearly four in 10 employees don't think, or are unsure, on their employers' support for psychological health and safety.
In fact, 37% of employees do not perceive, or are unsure, that cases of harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict, and other harmful behaviours are quickly and fairly resolved.
Another 38% said they don't think, or are unsure, that they can raise such concerns without fear of punishment or humiliation.
"Despite the regulation of employer obligations to ensure psychological safety, our findings paint a worrying picture for Australian businesses but there is a real opportunity for workplaces to focus more specifically on both reducing risk and promoting a healthy workplace culture," MacLennan said. "This will benefit both employee wellness and encourage business productivity."
Mental health scores
The findings come as Australian employees' mental health remain under strain, with a 63.1 score for January 2024.
Source: TELUS Mental Health Index
According to the report, 35% of Australians are under high mental health risk, 42% are under moderate mental health risk, while 23% have a low mental health risk.
By gender, men reported a higher mental health score (65) than women (61.5).
Employees aged between 20 and 29 also have a lower mental health score of 53.3 than older age groups, according to the report.
Source: TELUS Mental Health Index
Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health, attributed younger employees' lower mental health scores to rapid societal changes and diminishing social support.
"There are challenges like inflation, housing affordability, and job loss risks that are clear stressors, especially at the start of a person's career when there is typically less financial stability," Allen said in a statement.
"Organisations can help by focusing on building a culture of trust, which counters isolation, and highlighting their health, personal and financial programmes, which offer crucial support."
