Most Australians think we are growing more disconnected, and workplaces are part of that

As Mental Health Month opened, Mental Health Australia released new research on connection. Its headline finding is that 64% of Australians believe we are becoming more disconnected from each other. The other numbers are just as sobering: 30% feel less connected to others than they did ten years ago, 15% do not have friends or family they can rely on for support, and only 21% feel very connected to friends, family, neighbours or community. MHA's CEO, Carolyn Nikoloski, put the stakes plainly: people haven't stopped believing in the value of connection, they are simply experiencing less of it, and a sense of belonging matters for good mental health. Most of a working adult's week happens inside a workplace, so the workplace is one of the few places an employer can actually influence this. Connection is a psychosocial factor, and it is shaped by things an employer controls: how teams are structured, whether people have regular contact with their manager, how new starters are brought in, and whether a worker who is struggling knows who to talk to. Those are practices, and practices can be written down, owned, reviewed and improved. If you are a PCBU, asking where connection is weak in your organisation is a reasonable place to start the next risk conversation. If you or someone you know needs support, Lifeline is on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.