How we reduced anxiety, depression and stress on the Mordialloc Freeway Project

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Lysander participated in an industry-first pilot program specifically designed to support and make a difference to the construction industry’s mental health and well-being. The program, known as The Integrated Approach to Wellness, is funded by WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund and is being developed in conjunction with Grant Fuller of McConnell Dowell and Associate Professor Luke Downey from Swinburne University. 


KEY FINDINGS PRIOR TO THE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO WELLNESS at the Mordialloc Bypass project:

  • Average levels of depression, anxiety and stress exceeded population norms by 46% for depression, 71% for anxiety and 65% for stress.

  • Between 55-64 (versus 62-71% in 2018) of respondents returned “normal” levels of mental health (for Depression, Anxiety and Stress ratings), indicating that between 45-36% of the employees taking part were suffering from psychological illness; compared with 18% of the Australian population.

  • Experience of two particular negative moods (Depression and Anger) exceeded the normal population by 60% for Depression and 20% for Anger. Consistent exposure to negative mood states can precipitate to clinical levels of psychological distress.


Mid-term Results:

  • 43% improvement in work/life balance satisfaction

  • 34% improvement in depression

  • 26% improvement in stress

  • 40% improvement in mood disturbance

“There is now real evidence to say that investing in wellbeing and mental health has a direct result on your bottom line.”

- Janet McCulloch, Strategic Consultant, Lysander