Since the first lockdown in South Australia in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, there has been substantial amounts of cash splashed around to support both business & people to deal with the impact of the pandemic.

Whilst it is generally considered the cash splash was a success, as Australia slowly re-opens, there is more & more discussion about the impact the lockdowns have had on the mental health & well-being of many in the population. In my view, the cost & impact on people’s mental health is yet to be fully seen & evaluated.

The pressing need for mental health training in the workplace is best illustrated by the findings from a Global Impact Study by Ipsos MORI for Teladoc Health, which was conducted across the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada.

The findings from the study are as follows:

• 31% of managers received a formal mental health-related diagnosis from a healthcare professional, compared to 26% of non-managers
• 82% of those with a diagnosed mental health condition did not confide in workplace management
• Younger employees report poorer mental health than older age groups
• 40% of employees have given a false reason for mental health related time off
• 40% welcome remote forms of care
• 50% want executives to help normalise the mental health conversation

The Black Dog Institute reports  that the  Australian economy loses approximately $12 billion per year in reduced productivity and sickness absence caused by mental health issues.

Regardless of whether you are a business owner, a  business leader, a manager or an employee, conversations about mental health in your workplace have never been important.