'1970s-style HR processes' failing employees

The wellbeing of staff mental health is being put at risk by “1970s-style HR processes which are secretive and exacerbate the problem” - according to Ian Hickie, Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Sydney and Co-Director of the institution’s Brain and Mind Centre.

His remarks come as research of Australian workplaces by MinterEllison found that nearly three-quarters did not have any formal policy or procedure for managing staff mental health issues.

Despite this, 81.3% stated that they spent a quarter of their time managing workers with mental health issues. Over a third had said 15 or more members of their workforce had approached them with mental health issues this year alone.

Over half had seen a rise in cases over the past year, and 38% said it was discussed at Board-level.