In what was anticipated as a remedy for remote work challenges, the “Great Return to the Office” has taken an unexpected turn, causing a surge in mental health concerns among employees and significant financial implications for employers.
Contrary to expectations of enhanced creativity and team bonding, the return to in-person work has led to a 46% increase in compensation claims related to psychological issues over the past five years. This shift has not only introduced distracting workplace noise and challenging interactions with colleagues but has also resulted in a tangible loss of productivity due to insufficient mental health support, costing the Australian economy an estimated $12.2 billion to $22.2 billion annually.
Compounding the issue, Safe Work Australia reports an annual expenditure of $543 million in compensation claims for work-related mental health conditions. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the reduction of subsidized psychology sessions last year have further intensified the pressure on many workers.
Addressing this growing concern, the recently launched SafeWatch Companion App aims to provide expert guidance with easy accessibility, offering daily mental health self-care tools and fostering genuine connections.
Developed with insights from an advisory council comprising experienced mental health professionals, SafeWatch adopts a “Village Approach to Wellbeing,” emphasizing three crucial elements:
Support Network: The app facilitates the creation of a support network, enabling users to connect with trusted family and friends, combat feelings of isolation, and raise awareness.
Informing Healthcare Professionals: SafeWatch embeds indicators within the app to provide valuable insights to healthcare practitioners, facilitating personalized care for users.
Empowering Self-Care: Users are encouraged to take charge of their mental health by tracking daily feelings and progress, promoting personal growth.
SafeWatch, currently available for individuals, is slated for release through tailored corporate memberships. Founder and CEO Shane Muller emphasizes the app’s potential to empower employees to check in with their mental wellness daily, fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
Muller states, “SafeWatch encourages open dialogues in safe and supportive spaces to prevent the tragic outcomes often associated with declining mental health.” The app is free to download for individuals, with the option to unlock additional features through affordable in-app purchases, priced less than typical monthly entertainment expenses.
Corporate memberships offered by SafeWatch promise a personalized experience for employees at a fraction of the cost of traditional “corporate wellness” offerings. The app prioritizes privacy and confidentiality, utilizing state-of-the-art key technology encrypted to an IPFS network and pegged to a blockchain network for enhanced data security.