Rising mental health claims are being reported by workers in regional Australia, with an average of 88 days needed for employees to resume duties after a mental injury. This duration exceeds that of metropolitan employees by 16 days, as noted by Allianz Australia.
Over the past five financial years, the average cost of a mental injury claim in regional areas rose by 25%, compared with 5% in metropolitan areas. Last financial year, mental injury claims accounted for 19% of all active workers’ compensation claims in Allianz’s regional portfolio, compared with 13.4% in its metropolitan portfolio.
Total mental injury claim volumes across Allianz’s portfolio rose by 28.4% over five years.
The findings point to workforce retention risks. Nearly one-third of regional workers surveyed said they were likely to consider leaving their jobs within six to 12 months, equivalent to about 703,000 Australians. Nearly one-quarter rated their mental health as worse than at any other point in their working lives.
Personal finances, relationships and social connection, and workload, pace and deadlines were among the factors affecting mental health. Allianz claims data identified workplace stress, bullying or harassment, and workplace violence as key drivers of regional mental injury claims.
Access to workplace support was limited. Nearly one in five surveyed workers said their employer offered none, while 61% did not know how to access it. Only 27% had sought or would seek help if their mental health affected their life or work.
Awareness was also low, with 14% aware of mental health training or workshops and 26% of workplace wellbeing programs. Nearly three-quarters had never used employer-provided mental health support.
Nearly one-third of regional workers surveyed were uncomfortable discussing work-related stress or anxiety with managers. Fewer than one in five said managers took preventive measures, while 17% said managers addressed issues only as they arose. The research also found perceived gaps in managers’ initiative, capability, and tailored support.
Myf Pitcher, mental health and wellbeing manager at Rural Aid, an Allianz Community Care partner, said long distances, limited services, and demanding schedules could restrict access to support. She called for services connected to local communities and designed around the realities of rural life and work.
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