Anxiety and depression affect people in different ways. Many people are able to keep working as their condition doesn't affect their ability to do their job. Others might need temporary or permanent changes at work to help them manage their condition. Sometimes, a treating health professional will recommend that a person takes time off from work as part of their recovery. The time needed, will vary from person to person. Most of us have experienced stress at work. It's part of most workplaces from time to time.

Employees who continue to work or are returning to work after a period of time away from work, may feel more vulnerable than usual. That's why it's important that the manager and employee discuss how the employee returns to work or continues to work after an episode of anxiety or depression.

They should sit down and develop a work plan together. It will include a timeline and may include adjustments such as shift changes, job sharing, reduced workload or team changes. Work is an important part of an employee's recovery from anxiety or depression. It's also important for the business' productivity that the employee recover and return to their normal work. Businesses make their legal obligations under commonwealth legislation when they support an employee's recovery from a mental health condition.

Most of us want to work in workplaces where we can do our best work and our work is appreciated and helps the business grow.

That's why it's important to create a workplace which supports the mental health of all employees.