Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Rising Mental Health Claims Signal Urgent Need for Tailored Workplace Solutions

Rising Mental Health Claims Signal Urgent Need for Tailored Workplace Solutions

Rising Mental Health Claims Signal Urgent Need for Tailored Workplace Solutions?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in mental health claims among employees grappling with heightened economic pressures and workplace challenges.
Allianz, the country's largest workers’ compensation insurer, highlights a pressing issue: a 47.5% surge in active psychological claims, accompanied by a 30% hike in absence days due to mental health concerns from 2019 to 2022.

The insurer serves over 155,000 businesses, indicating a significant cross-section of the national workforce. Predominant causes of these psychological claims include workplace harassment, bullying, and stress/burnout, collectively constituting 76-78% of all such claims.

In a survey Allianz conducted between April and May this year, nearly half of the respondents reported feeling fatigued in their roles. Additionally, over one-third of employees are contemplating changing jobs within the next year. This widespread fatigue, coupled with discontentment over compensation and workload, is contributing to mental health strain.

Specifically, 46% of employees cite economic stressors as a major detractor from job satisfaction, while 33% feel their compensation does not match their efforts. Another 25% attribute their mental exhaustion to increased work demands. Allianz emphasizes, "Economic pressures are directly impacting employees' views on their work environment."

Julie Mitchell, Allianz's Chief GM for personal injury, points out that primary psychological claims are not only growing in number but also in cost. Over the past five years, the average cost of a psychological claim has been 2.8 times higher than that of a physical claim. In 2023 alone, the average expenditure for a psychological claim stood at $42,335, up from $32,769 in 2019, as reported to insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Despite the reduction in mental health stigma, Mitchell warns of an ongoing rise in the frequency and complexity of these claims unless organizations proactively address their employees' needs. She asserts, "It's crucial for companies to move away from a 'one size fits all' mental health strategy, as employees’ experiences and needs vary greatly based on individual circumstances."

Employees have voiced a desire for more transparent communication about workplace issues and want management to establish clear channels for airing concerns. This sentiment reflects a need for customized approaches to mental health support that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by different workforce segments.

This article is based on information originally reported by insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Published:Monday, 17th Jun 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Australian Truck Drivers Seek Relief Amid Fuel Price Surge
Australian Truck Drivers Seek Relief Amid Fuel Price Surge
28 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian trucking industry is confronting a severe challenge as escalating fuel prices place immense financial pressure on drivers and operators. This crisis has led to urgent appeals for major clients, including retailers and manufacturers, to share the burden to prevent widespread business closures. - read more
Easing Conditions in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market
Easing Conditions in Australia's Commercial Insurance Market
28 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In the first half of 2026, Australia's commercial insurance market has experienced a notable softening, characterized by easing pricing across various lines and a broadening of insurer appetite. This trend is detailed in the latest Insurance Market Trends and Outlook report released by EBM Insurance & Risk on May 11, 2026. - read more
APRA Freezes Unjustified Premium Increases in Commercial Auto Insurance
APRA Freezes Unjustified Premium Increases in Commercial Auto Insurance
28 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In March 2026, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) took decisive action to address significant premium hikes in the commercial auto insurance sector. Responding to widespread industry concerns, APRA issued emergency regulations to freeze unjustified baseline premium increases exceeding 25%, pending external review. - read more
Rising Mental Health Claims Lead to Surge in Income Support Access
Rising Mental Health Claims Lead to Surge in Income Support Access
27 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals a concerning trend: over 8 million Australians are now accessing some form of income support, marking an increase of approximately 2 million individuals over the past decade. This surge is predominantly driven by a rise in mental health-related claims, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support and effective income protection strategies. - read more
Acenda Life Introduces Higher Coverage Limits in Income Protection Policies
Acenda Life Introduces Higher Coverage Limits in Income Protection Policies
27 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Acenda Life has recently implemented a series of updates to its Retail Life Insurance portfolio, effective from 11 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for Australians seeking income protection insurance, addressing common concerns about policy limitations and entry age restrictions. - read more


Cyber Insurance Articles

Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
Protecting Your Business from Online Threats: The Benefits of Cyber Insurance
In today's digital age, businesses are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online threats. Cyber attacks are not just limited to large corporations. Small businesses are also at risk and can suffer severe financial losses due to cyber threats. It is essential for small businesses to invest in cyber insurance. Cyber insurance offers protection against online threats, providing financial assistance if a company experiences a data breach, cyber attack, or other forms of cybercrime. - read more
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
Cyber Security Checklists: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
In today's digital age, cyber security has become a critical aspect for small businesses in Australia. As more operations move online, the potential for cyber threats increases. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, making it essential to understand and address these risks proactively. - read more
Understanding the Risks: How Cyber Threats Can Cripple Your Business
Understanding the Risks: How Cyber Threats Can Cripple Your Business
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Australian businesses face an ever-increasing array of cyber threats. From sophisticated phishing schemes to ransomware attacks, these dangers lurk in the virtual shadows, often going unnoticed until it's too late. Recognizing and understanding these cyber risks is not just important; it's crucial for the sustainability and success of any modern enterprise. - read more
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - read more
10 Common Online Liabilities and How to Mitigate Them
10 Common Online Liabilities and How to Mitigate Them
In this digital age, online liabilities have become a crucial concern for individuals and businesses alike. At its core, an online liability refers to the potential risks and responsibilities associated with using the internet. These risks can range from data breaches to financial theft, and they have significant implications in our increasingly connected world. - read more

Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard:
A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.