Talking about mental health at work
Telling people at work about your mental health is a personal choice. You don’t need to share anything unless there is a safety risk to you or others.
Why be open about your mental health?
Telling your employer about your mental health conditions may have benefits, such as:
- creating trust and open relationships
- changing workplace attitudes about mental health
- making it easier to discuss options to help you do your job, such as flexible working arrangements.
Your employer is also likely to be more understanding if you become unwell and need time off. They may be more willing to make changes to meet your needs. For example, they could:
- help you make a support plan
- arrange training to increase awareness of mental health issues.
When to talk about your mental health
There are only a few situations when you must tell your employer about any mental health concerns. These are:
- when you’re unable to work or to work safely
- to keep other people and your co-workers safe.
You don’t need to mention specific medical or personal details.
In all other cases, it’s your choice if you wish to talk about your mental health.
For more on work safety and the law visit Your role in work health and safety. For information about laws that apply in your area, see the Safe Work Australia website.
Tips for talking to others about your mental health
- Be as honest and open as you feel comfortable – it’s up to you how much you share
- Explain your situation and how the workplace could help
- Understand that some people might be shy, uncomfortable or just too busy to talk.
For more advice, see Talking about your disability at work.
Note: it is illegal for your employer, supervisors or co-workers to make upsetting or offensive comments about mental health issues. See Dealing with discrimination at work for more information. For more on the laws that apply, visit the Fair Work Commission website.
Online resources
Beyond Blue have useful resources and videos on sharing information about a psychosocial disability or mental health condition.
Head to Health also have a pros and cons tool to help you weigh up whether to share this information with your employer.
Your privacy
There are laws that protect your privacy. If you mention a mental health issue to someone at work, they can’t tell anyone else about it unless you give your consent.
For more information, visit our page How your personal information is protected. You can find out more about at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website.
Share
