Policies, Guidelines, and Practices Supporting Women’s Menstruation, Menstrual Disorders and Menopause at Work: A Critical Global Scoping Review (2023)

This research paper reviewed global evidence relating to interventions aimed at supporting women to manage menstruation, menstrual disorders and menopause at work, and how this impacts their career trajectories. More than 60 publications were reviewed and found very few workplace policies dealt with menstrual issues. Less half presented an intervention related to women’s workplace health. There was also a lack of co-design and almost none of the polices or guidelines had been evaluated.

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Thrive at Work Survey

This survey from Curtain Uni was completed over 3 years by 6813 Australian workers. It reveals how workers perceive their work, and how work influences their mental health and overall wellbeing. Findings show some issues with burnout and self stigma with help seeking, and certain workplace factors act as strong predictors of mental health. Overall, organisations are most effective when they recognise and address the spectrum of mental health, from addressing ill-health to promoting wellbeing.

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A case for an extended unpaid carer leave entitlement? Inquiry report (2023)

This report looks at the potential economic and social impacts of adding an entitlement to extended unpaid carer leave to the National Employment Standards. The report concludes that other policies – especially better access to flexible work – would make a bigger difference for more carers.

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Leading Mentally Healthy Workplace Survey Report 2023

report of nearly 8,000 employees found burnout was highly prevalent (44%), predicted by the degree to which employees had positive emotional and mental experiences at work, control over work, and emotional and financial stressors outside of work. Overall, employees were largely positive about the availability of support for mental health from their organisation.

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The Australian Mental Wellbeing Index 2022-23

This report provides a snapshot into the everyday mental wellbeing of Australians. The report revealed young Australians have consistently poorer mental wellbeing than those aged over 65. Many people continue to grapple with challenges in stress management, sleep quality, and focus and concentration, but have improved emotional regulation and social connection. Interestingly, educators mental wellbeing rose and fell in alignment with school term and holiday periods.

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Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with sickness absence and work ability (2023)

This study explored whether moderate to vigorous physical activity may sustain the physical aspect of work ability, despite health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and anxiety, which can lead to low productivity. It found that high cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with decreased all-cause sickness absence days and improved work ability.

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The potential of high-performance workplaces for boosting worker productivity, health, and creativity: A comparison between WELL and non-WELL certified environments (2023)

This recent Australian research conducted in high-performance workplaces compared WELL and non-WELL certified spaces, with occupants in WELL certified spaces more satisfied with 20 out of 23 physical environment features. Visual privacy and access to the outdoor environment were key predictors for productivity, and layout and interior design for creativity

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Workplace Wellness Report 2023

In their latest report, half of businesses surveyed reported an increase in employee stress, with financial concerns leading non-work issues, and workload and long hours as work related. More organisations have processes in place to support employees, with nearly all seeing work from home as positive. However the median annual cost of absence has increased.

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