Eating Disorders Vic warns about the productivity impact of disordered eating at work

Eating disorders have been described as “the silent productivity killer” of Australia’s workplaces, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) employers. 

Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is warning that the economic, productivity, and cultural implications of eating disorders in the workplace remain seriously misunderstood and surrounded by stigma.

Before continuing to engage with this piece readers of The Sector should be aware that the content – which discusses disordered eating – may prove triggering, and should consider their own circumstances and wellbeing. 

Eating disorders have been described by EDV as “one of the most misunderstood health crises in the Australian workplace,” with a mortality rate higher than any other psychiatric disorder.

Despite more than 1.1 million Australians annually – two-thirds of whom are of working age (15-64 years) – being directly affected by eating disorders the impact of these disorders on productivity, absenteeism, workplace culture and employee well-being remains largely unaddressed until now.

Employees living with eating disorders lose an average of 10 additional workdays each year, costing employers $44,381 per 100 employees in absenteeism, presenteeism, and hiring costs. 

Caregivers, who are often parents, also juggle an average of 12.5 hours of care per week while managing their jobs, resulting in a total productivity cost of $18.1 billion annually across Australia.

To address the crisis, EDV has developed a new workplace program to help employers create healthier, safer, and more productive workforces. EDV’s Body Peace Workplaces program is a tailor-made initiative that educates employers and employees on how to create safe, supportive environments for all staff, particularly those potentially dealing with or caring for a loved one with eating disorders.

The program leverages the power of lived experience to foster workplace environments where employees feel safe and supported in seeking help, and offers a holistic and compassionate approach to workplace mental health. 

This approach aligns with an increased focus on mental health and psychosocial risks in the workplace, which has seen a significant increase in global awareness in these spaces with the introduction of ISO 45003:2021, the first global standard providing guidance on managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.

“Eating disorders continue to carry stigma, leading to delayed help- seeking, strained workplaces, and disrupted well-being for individuals and teams,” Belinda Caldwell, CEO of EDV, said. 

“The resulting absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover from an unsupportive or just misunderstood workplace add significant costs.”

“It’s time for Australian business leaders to recognise the critical role they play in addressing this health crisis. By adopting solutions like the Body Peace Workplaces program, employers can save lives, enhance productivity, and foster environments where everyone can thrive.

Each session focuses on an important topic, from understanding eating disorders, supporting someone with an eating disorder, and building a positive relationship with food. 

Dedicated EDV educators work with employee teams to teach staff about what an eating disorder is, how to support a loved one and families impacted by an eating disorder and where to look for support and advice.

“To have the opportunity to hear directly from EDV Ambassadors on their lived experiences and for them to share their stories of recovery was very inspirational and heartwarming,” one participant shared. 

“We were able to attend the workshops in person or online, allowing people remotely or working from home to join in. At the end of the sessions, we were able to ask questions and engage in discussion. The workshops have allowed us to be better informed about mental health and eating disorders.”

EDV is urging Australian employers to take responsibility for addressing this health crisis by making their workplace more informed.

“Employers can champion change and become a frontline of support for those impacted by eating disorders, which in turn promotes broader good mental health and safer workplaces,” Ms Caldwell said.

More information about the Body Peace Workplaces program is available on EDV’s website.