EML proudly hosted events in Sydney and Melbourne to launch our latest white paper, Inside the minds of Australia’s workplaces: Evidence, insight, and collective action for better mental health outcomes. The event brought together industry leaders, clients, and partners for a powerful discussion on the future of workplace mental health in Australia.

Australia is at a critical turning point in how we understand and address mental health—especially in the workplace. Mental health conditions now account for an increasing proportion of workers compensation and personal injury claims across the country. The importance of mental health risk has gained significant attention over recent years as the awareness of its impact on individuals, their families, communities and organisations has grown. 

To better understand the landscape, EML commissioned research conducted by Monash University’s Healthy Working Lives Research Group. By analysing four major national data sets across workers generally, those with compensation claims, and those with mental health-related claims, this research offers more than insight—it’s a clear call to action. 

Key findings  

• 4 million Australian workers (≈30%) reported a mental health condition lasting more than six months in 2022. Only 0.33% of these workers had an accepted mental injury claim – highlighting just the tip of the iceberg. 

• The median time lost for mental health claims is 34+ weeks – over four times longer than for physical injuries. 

• Women have an 88% higher rate of mental health claims per 10,000 FTE males. 

• Younger workers (15–24) are most affected: more than 40%+ report mental health conditions; 20% report high/very high distress.  

• Workers aged under 25 are nearly 2.5 times more likely to report a mental health condition than those over 65. 

• Healthcare, education, and public safety sectors account for 62% of all mental health claims. 

• 1 in 10 workers with a physical injury claim also report severe psychological distress, often delaying recovery and increasing compensation costs. 

Don Ferguson, CEO of EML Management, emphasised the urgent need for collective action to address the rising tide of psychological injury claims and the broader mental health crisis affecting Australian workers. 

“Mental health is no longer just a wellbeing conversation—it’s a business imperative. We are at a critical turning point, and the data shows that with the right approach, we can build safer, more resilient workplaces that benefit individuals, organisations, and the broader community.” 

The events also included a panel discussion hosted by Kate Connors, and featured Professor Alex Collie of Monash University and representatives from EML. The panel explored the white paper’s findings, which draw on four major national datasets and discussed the opportunities to address the trends and risk factors presented in the data.  

“We’ve invested over $142 million since 2012 through the Mutual Benefits Program to fund research like this and to develop services that create safer workplaces,” Mr Ferguson noted. “This is about more than claims management—it’s about helping people get their lives back.” 

The event underscored EML’s commitment to leading the industry in mental health innovation, prevention, and recovery. Attendees left with practical strategies and renewed motivation to foster mentally healthy workplaces. 

 Pictured: Don Ferguson, Keith Govias, Kate Connors, Katie Giddins, Professor Alex Collie