Organisations will often devote time to ensuring the physical health of their employees (e.g., teaching them how to safely lift objects to avoid injury). However, putting strategies in place to prevent mental injury is just as valuable to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
“It is estimated that mental health conditions have a substantial impact on Australian workplaces – approximately $11 billion per year. This comprises $4.7 billion in absenteeism, $6.1 billion in presenteeism and $146 million in compensation claims” (p. vi, PwC, 2014).
“However, through the successful implementation of an effective action to create a mentally healthy workplace, organisations, on average can expect a positive return on investment (ROI) of 2.3. That is, for every dollar spent on successfully implementing an appropriate action, there is on average $2.30 in benefits to be gained by the organisation” (p. iv, PwC, 2014).
As the research suggests, mental health should not be ignored in the workplace.
Making the benefits of CBT available to staff is one way of building a mentally healthy workforce culture. CBT is an established treatment for depression and anxiety, the most common mental health problems staff will likely face. However, staff don’t need to be mentally unwell to benefit from CBT. CBT helps people to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and even physical body sensations. It teaches people how to think and behave in more helpful ways to better manage their emotions and lead a more fulfilling life. CBT shouldn’t only be used when someone is unwell, but can be learnt at any age to enhance wellbeing, build resilience and possibly prevent mental health problems, all of which can help build a positive and productive workplace.
The following topics are available through CBTs WA to deliver to staff in-house at a time that suits the organisation. Each topic can be presented as a half-day educational session or extended to a full-day for a more practical workshop experience.
Mental Health 101: Understand and improve how I think, feel and act
Stress Less: Skills to overcome worry
Boost my Mood: Skills to prevent depression
Organisations interested in hosting a workshop by CBTs WA for their staff, please email info@cbtswa.com.au to register your interest.