Workplace Compensation Issues - Better Worker Environment

While technological has made many people’s jobs lives easier, mobile phones, email, laptops and other items increasingly blur the line between personal and work lives.

One of the results of these extra demands, facilitated by new technology, has been increasing levels of workplace stress and other mental health problems.

Across Australia, compensation claims relating to workplace stress have become the second most common workers compensation category.

Prominent factors that can increase the risk include excessive demands, long hours, uncertainty around job security, a lack of recognition and reward, and unfair expectations that phone calls, emails and other tasks be completed outside of the workplace.

For many people, the ability for work to follow them home also means they receive little or no respite from these pressures.

An employee suffering from work related stress can take a range of simple steps such as taking time off from work or registering their concerns with their manager or employer.

In situations where the stress is caused by workplace bullying, a stop bullying order may be sought from the Fair Work Commission, which can be made against a person or group of people in the workplace.

It is important to address issues before they escalate. Making an employer aware of any concerns allows them to deal with the problem and seek to resolve it without the need for legal avenues to be pursued.

It is extremely important that employers create an environment in which employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns, with businesses benefitting where mental health is made a priority.

Initiatives that diminish workplace stress, like reducing work demands, creating open dialogues, and enforcing policies aimed at fostering a safe workplace environment, are all beneficial.

By putting effort into creating a mentally healthy workplace, not only is it possible to reduce the risk of psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression, but work performance and productivity can often be improved considerably.