A recent report on Australia’s workforce health by Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine highlights a concerning prevalence of pain and psychological distress affecting workers. While 63% rated their health as very good or excellent, 39% said pain interfered with work, and 22% reported mental health symptoms in the past year. Additionally, 43% described their jobs as very demanding, and 18% experienced high distress in 2020-21, up from 8% in 2014-15. About 12% of workers reported disabilities or long-term health conditions impacting employment.
“Healthy workers are more productive, live longer, and report higher quality of life” Professor Alex Collie of Monash University’s Healthy Working Lives Research Group
Healthy workers are more productive, live longer, and report higher quality of life, noted Professor Alex Collie of Monash University’s Healthy Working Lives Research Group, which produced the Workforce Health in Australia report. Professor Collie stressed the societal costs of illness-related work absence and presenteeism, especially as workplaces and work types evolve with trends like teleworking and the gig economy, with these changes introducing new risks to worker health in a shifting social landscape.
The Monash team reviewed seven national surveys and datasets capturing health and wellbeing data for Australians aged 15 and older. They focused on determinants of health such as diet, exercise, and healthcare access. While some areas showed improvement, such as reduced job insecurity, smoking rates, and increased physical activity, challenges persist.
The report offers a baseline to measure workforce health over time, recommending a coordinated national approach to monitoring and addressing worker health, as this could reveal opportunities to improve health outcomes and boost productivity, addressing critical issues like stalled national productivity despite record-low unemployment.
“A healthier workforce not only benefits individuals but also strengthens national productivity, making workforce health a strategic priority for sustainable growth”, reported Professor Collie.
How can we support you
From prevention to recovery, the Mutual Benefits Program provides complimentary support to all EML Group customers with a range of products, tools and services to compliment your workplace health and safety needs.
Employer Training Program: We offer customers an extensive program of up to 90 free training events, designed to support the professional development and education needs within your organisation. Topics include our managing for team wellbeing, outdoor sun safety and wellbeing conversations.
EMlearning: Our online training platform, EMlearning, provides exclusive access to 40 interactive and engaging workplace risk courses that ensure your business stays compliant with industry regulations (such as the international standard for managing safety in the workplace (ISO 45001) and facilitating safe and sustainable return to work plans under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013).
Management Tools and Resources: We offer a range of free tools and resources to help you implement your WHS strategy. From research articles to video case studies, our resource library and online tools support key risk and safety initiatives across a range of areas including mental health and manual handling. Learn more on our WHS Online Health Check that can help you to understand your business’ maturity towards managing WHS risks.
Exclusive Offers: Through the Mutual Benefits Program we’ve negotiated exceptional deals with industry leaders in training, technology and consulting services. As a customer of EML your safety program can be enhanced with discounted partnerships with providers such as HSE Global, Staunch Technology and Longitude6.
Contact us mutualbenefits@eml.com.au or visit www.eml.com.au/mutualbenefits for more information.