48 percent of Hear2Talk’s inbound calls were due to work-related stress, closely followed by a lack of support in the workplace (33 percent) and workplace bullying (12 percent).
The latest call data from Hear2Talk – a free phone support line funded by the NSW Government – has revealed the biggest reasons for inbound calls were:
- Work-related stress (48%)
- Lack of support in the workplace (33%)
- Workplace bullying (12%)
Workers across NSW are quickly realising the value in Hear2Talk, with the volume of calls received to date increasing by a staggering 1,325 percent since becoming available to all just six months ago.
Of those who participated in the end of call survey, 98 percent believed they got what they wanted from making the call and 94 percent felt more hopeful about a way forward.
Funded by the NSW Government State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and run by Neami National, Hear2Talk is available to employees and employers across the state of NSW. It offers a safe and confidential space to discuss all issues with Peer Workers, who have lived experience dealing with challenging emotions in the workplace and can offer practical support to help others encountering similar situations.
Adam Dent, Chief Executive SIRA, said: “We know that staying at work while accessing appropriate support can improve a person’s recovery. Hear2Talk is one way that SIRA is boosting support for NSW workers, with the knowledge that a supportive workplace is likely to deliver more positive outcomes. It can help reduce mental health distress in the workplace as well as prevent the emergence of more serious mental ill-health in the future.”
Helen Piper, Hear2Talk Service Manager added: “Hear2Talk Peer Support Workers coach callers to develop strategies to cope, build resilience, and support them to make positive changes to improve their mental health and wellbeing. So far, we are seeing wonderful improvements in our caller’s wellbeing once they have had the opportunity to be heard and make sense of what is going on for them.”
The service was initiated off the back of the NSW Government’s commitment to mental health at work, with mental ill-health at work costing the NSW government $2.8 billion per year. It is expected this will rise due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, natural disasters, the rising cost of living and more.
