Printing company owners and managers are invited to attend a seminar on how to manage mental health issues in their businesses – and signs to look out for in their own health. Beyondblue says on average one in eight men, and one in five women, will have depression at some stage of their lives. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 44. Mary Jo Fisher, former South Australian Senator and now Beyondblue ambassador and PIAA senior workplace relations adviser, will lead the event, discussing the costs to businesses of ignoring mental illness, and the basic steps that owners, managers and their staff can take to deal with and help those who might suffer from mental illness.

PIAA workplace relations and legal services general manager Charles Watson will also be on hand to answer staffing questions. Printing Industries says irrespective of the size of a printer’s workforce, it is likely at least one person in it will suffer from some form of mental illness at some stage – and more often than not the sufferers themselves may not know about it. Aside from the human costs, having a worker with a mental illness comes at a cost to a business – and not just in dollar terms. Absenteeism and staff morale can suffer greatly; it makes sense to equip management in how to help. The breakfast event costs $25, and is set for June 17 at 8.00am, at the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth. It is supported by Media Super in conjunction with mental health organisation Beyondblue – to which proceeds from the event will be donated. Register at the PIAA website.

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