- Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index(TM) improves slightly for June with a 
12-point decline from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 75

Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and 
digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health 
Index(TM) report. The June report marked the third consecutive month with a 
negative mental health score. The findings show that even with parts of 
Australia re-opening after nearly three months of lockdown, financial risk and 
feelings of isolation remain the top threats to Australian employees' mental 
health.

The June Mental Health Index(TM) score is -12. The score measures the 
improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. This 
month's overall score is up three points from the score last month. The Mental 
Health Index(TM) also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring 
anxiety (-14.1), work productivity (-13.6), depression (-13.3), optimism 
(-12.8) and isolation (-11.7). While the sub-scores remain low, there has been 
a modest improvement across all of these areas when compared to the prior month.

"While many businesses have reopened and employees returned to work, 
Australians remain uncertain and wary about a second wave of lock-downs and how 
it might damage any progress made toward economic recovery," said Jamie 
MacLennan, managing director, Australia and APAC. "Throughout this global 
health pandemic, the Mental Health Index(TM) continues to provide valuable 
insight on the impact COVID-19 is having on Australians' quality of life and 
mental health."

Australians express concern about current phase of pandemic
As the country begins to move into the next phase of the pandemic, less than 
half of people surveyed (47 per cent) feel that they have what they need. The 
most commonly reported need is for support to deal with anxiety (23 per cent). 
This is followed by the need for clearer guidance on how to prevent 
spreading/getting the virus (22 per cent). 

With a mix of physical distancing, self-isolation, and the closure of some 
businesses, the data shows there is likely to be a change in spending habits 
after the pandemic. A minority (25 per cent) indicate that they will return to 
prior spending habits quickly after the pandemic. 

    -- 30 per cent believe that they will be concerned about job security for
       a while 
    -- 24 per cent are concerned about the risk of infection from being 
       in stores and service areas 
    -- 23 per cent indicate that their income has changed 
    -- 14 per cent are not sure about whether they will return to former 
       spending or not 
    -- 11 per cent do not have the will or energy to do things they did before

Employers play an essential role in mental health
There is a strong correlation between scores on the Mental Health Index(TM) and 
the individual's view of how their employer managed health and safety issues 
during the pandemic. An even stronger correlation is evident between the Mental 
Health Index(TM) scores and perception of how well their employer has been 
supporting the mental health of employees. Thirty-three per cent of respondents 
indicate that their employer has been supporting employee mental health 
inconsistently, poorly or very poorly during the pandemic. The Mental Health 
Index(TM) score for this group ranged from -17.7 for those who indicated 
inconsistently, to -21.3 for those who indicated mental health being supported 
poorly to -32.9 for those who indicate very poorly. This compares to -11.7 for 
those who indicate mental health being supported somewhat well, and 0.2 for 
very well.

"While employers keep employee physical health and safety top-of-mind during 
this time, mental health also plays an equally prominent role in employee 
performance, which ultimately impacts the overall health and productivity of 
the organization," said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, 
analytics and innovation. "How employees view their employer becomes their 
reality, and a negative view from the workforce can have a detrimental impact 
on the company's brand and reputation. During uncertain times, employers and 
managers need to frequently communicate with their employees and provide the 
necessary tools to alleviate stress as much as possible to create a healthier 
work environment."

The full Australia report includes more insight on changes to mental stress, 
the impact of a positive outlook on one's emotional state of mind and 
variations of the Mental Health Index(TM) score by demographics, industries and 
regions. The full Australia report can be found at 
https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/92829/mental-health-index-report-australia-june-2020.pdf.


About the Mental Health Index(TM)
The monthly survey by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in 
English from May 29 to June 9, 2020, with 1,000 respondents in Australia. All 
respondents reside in Australia and were employed within the last six months. 
The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender 
composition of the sample reflect this population. The margins of error for the 
survey are +/- 3.2 percent, valid 19 times out of 20. The Mental Health 
Index(TM) is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against 
benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

The Mental Health Index(TM) is owned by Morneau Shepell – the wellbeing company 
that acquired LifeWorks in 2018.

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that 
deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based 
platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to 
support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. 
By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in 
employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and 
benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment 
services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with 
some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. For 
more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

Contact: Heather MacDonald, Morneau Shepell, media@morneaushepell.com, 
0011-1-855-622-3327; Mike Jurs, Allison+Partners, mike.jurs@allisonpr.com, 
0011-1-415-875-3050

SOURCE  Morneau Shepell Inc.