Forget a “Sickie”, Take a “Healthie”
The “Healthie” is the new “Sickie” Feeling burnt out after a long weekend? It is not unusual to take extra time off unexpectedly as a “sickie.” However, our new normal prioritises mental health with the “healthie” – a day off for wellbeing. This shift tackles workplace stigma and boosts productivity.
The Long Weekend Hangover: Beyond the Physical
As long weekend approach, managers might brace themselves for a post-holiday dip in productivity, often blamed on “sickies.” However, a recent report by Allianz Australia sheds light on a more concerning trend: employees resorting to fabricating physical ailments to mask the real reason for their absence – a struggling mental state.
The “Sickie” Charade: A Symptom of a Larger Issue
While the classic “Tuesday flu” after a long weekend might be easy to spot, the truth behind these absences is more problematic. The report reveals a startling statistic: a staggering 93 percent of Australian employees would rather lie about a physical illness than admit to needing a mental health day. According to Allianz Australia survey, 85 percent of employees believe their managers would react unfavouably to requests for time off for anxiety.
Mental Health in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence
Mental health issues are surprisingly common, affecting one in five Australians each year. This could be a colleague, your manager, or even the friendly barista who makes your morning coffee. The silence surrounding mental health is deafening, with a staggering 90% of people fearing stigma and potential job loss if they speak up. The report further highlights a concerning disconnect: 85% of employees believe managers view a “flu day” more favorably than time off for stress or anxiety.
The Cost of Silence: From Lost Productivity to Investment
Articles often focus on the negative impact of “fake sickies,” citing billions in lost productivity. However, a significant portion of this cost could be linked to unaddressed mental health issues. Studies show that mental illness costs Australian businesses billions in lost productivity and compensation claims. Mental health service Black Dog estimates mental illness cost over $12 billion in lost productivity in 2018 alone Black Dog Institute: Mental Health Statistics Australia.
Wouldn’t it be more productive to invest in preventative measures? The Productivity
Commission is currently exploring whether the current $9 billion spent on mental health care is enough. Experts agree: increased investment in mental health is essential.
Leading the Change: The “Healthie” Solution
Forward-thinking companies like FutureBrand, an Australian advertising agency, are leading the way by offering employees a quarterly “healthie” day. This approach normalises mental health needs and encourages open communication about wellbeing. Instead of resorting to a fabricated illness, employees are empowered to prioritise their mental health without fear of judgment.
Building a Culture of Wellbeing: How We Can All Do Better
Shifting the focus from reactive solutions to proactive support requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Normalise the Conversation: Talking openly about mental health from day one creates a safe space for employees to seek help without fear of stigma.
- Budget for Resources: Safe Work Australia workplace report highlights menal health conditions accout for 9% of all serious workers’ compensation claims, an 36.9 percent increase since 2018. This means future investment in providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, and promoting helplines.
- Create Safe Spaces: Offer designated areas for private conversations about mental health. An open-plan office might not be ideal for these discussions. Consider dedicated wellness rooms or meeting spaces.
- Make Wellbeing a Daily Priority: Mental health shouldn’t be an afterthought. Promote a culture of wellbeing through regular communication, employee testimonials about their mental health journeys, and readily available resources like posters, pamphlets, and newsletters.
The “Healthie” is the New “Sickie”
By shifting the focus to proactive mental health support, we can create a culture where employees feel empowered to prioritise their wellbeing. The “healthie” is the new “sickie,” and it’s a sign of a healthy and productive work environment. A healthy workforce is a happy workforce, and that benefits everyone – employees, employers, and the bottom line.
Tags: mental health day, sickie, healthie, employee wellbeing, workplace mental health, mental health stigma, productivity, Australia