FAQ for Employers

Are people with mental health conditions able to work?

Yes. People with a mental health condition are able to work. It is important to emphasise that our clients are people who have recognised their condition, sought treatment and are now eager to resume a productive life in the workforce.

In what capacity can people with a mental health condition be employed?

People with a mental health condition can work as effectively as any other person in the workplace. Worklink jobseekers include entry level, retail, administrative, hospitality, labourers, trade and professionally qualified people looking for full-time, part-time and casual employment. Worklink can work with employers to match the skills, abilities and personal attributes of employees to the position.

Can mental health conditions be successfully treated?

Yes. People with mental health conditions can live fulfilling lives and manage their health through various levels of support. It is important to recognise that 1 in 5 Australians will experience some form of mental illness each year.

It is the third biggest health problem in Australia after heart disease and cancer. Mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of income, education or family background.

Are there extra insurance/compensation costs associated with employing people with a mental health condition?

People with a disability can have fewer accidents at work – the workers compensation costs for people with a disability can be as low as 4% of the compensation costs of other employees.

What are the benefits of employing a person with a mental health condition?

There are a range of benefits, including:

• People with a mental health condition prove to be a rich human resource for jobs at all levels
• Employees with a mental health condition on average have lower absenteeism and higher retention rates
• Reduced costs in terms of recruitment and training of new staff along with increased staff stability
• Access to financial assistance through a wage subsidy to accommodate training needs
• Ongoing support and training

As an employer, will I need to invest in additional training and supervision?

No. Worklink will provide any additional on-the-job support that may be required to ensure that job seekers settle into the workplace with as little disruption to the business as possible.

Will a person with a mental health condition be able to perform complex tasks?

Yes, people with mental health conditions are employed successfully in all areas of the workforce and have the same intellectual capacity as anyone else. Many are trade or tertiary qualified and hold, or are capable of holding, senior managerial positions. You may already be managing employees with mental health conditions without even knowing it.

What questions can I ask/not ask about a job seeker's mental health condition?

Questions relating to disability may be asked in the context of what adjustments may be required to assist the person to do the job or to ascertain the individual's ability to perform the essential requirements of the job.

Remember, as with all potential employees, inappropriate and unnecessary questioning may be in breach of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act or other state legislation.

Can people on medication operate machinery?

Not all people with mental health conditions take medication. If a job seeker is taking medication that affects his/her ability to operate machinery this information will be forwarded to the employer as safety in the workplace is of paramount importance.

What should I do if the employee becomes unwell at work?

Contact Worklink if you have any concerns at all about the employee's well being, otherwise the procedure is the same as for any other employee.

What do I tell the rest of the staff?

Privacy and confidentiality are very important and the worker has the same right to privacy as other staff.

How can I be sure that a person with a mental health condition will fit in?

Most people successfully manage their condition. They work in management, the professions or the trades. They have families and are part of their local community. Employment is something valued by everybody, as it provides an income and status and is part of a balanced life and enhanced social interaction. Work is a primary factor in Social Inclusion for people with mental health conditions and as such fitting into the workplace is very important.

How should a person with a mental health condition be treated at work?

There are three main aspects to employer's rights and responsibilities and Mental Health in the workplace:

• Employers must ensure health and safety in the workplace
• Employers must avoid discrimination
• Employers must ensure the privacy of their employees